Details of Railway Accidents in the Ottawa Area

One of the locomotives involved, #283, was a 4-4-0 built by Hinckley in August 1883. This was the locomotive that hauled Sir John A. McDonald's funeral train on 6 June 1891.
(Note - some names were spelled differently but have been set out here verbatim)

Ottawa Evening Journal, Thursday 14 October 1897

TORONTO EXPRESS AND FREIGHT COLLIDE
Terrible Result of a Mistake
Several Ottawa People Were in the Wreck
THEY TELL OF THE SIGHT AS THEY WITNESSED IT
Names of the Dead and Injured
Details of a Terrible Collision on a Down Grade - Express was Running at 40 Miles Per Hour - Where Does the Blame Lie? - No Definite Information as Yet

Shortly after five o'clock this morning the C.P.R. Toronto "Cannon Ball" Exress coming to Ottawa and a freght train ran into each other about three miles this side of Stittsville.  A bad wreck resulted.
Five are dead and one is badly injured.
The dead are:
Robt. Peden, mail clerk Ottawa.
Jas Hastey, brakeman on the freight train, Carleton Place.
James Tierney, of Cantley, Quebec, was on the freight and supposed to be stealing a ride.
Engineer, Frank Laurendeau, Carleton Place, of the express is under the wreck and supposed to be dead.
James Fleming of Cantley, Quebec, who was in freight.  Not known how he was on.
Engineer McCuaig of the freight Carleton Place. Leg broken.
Mail clerk Birchall and Expressman T.C. Hewton were badly shaken up.
The accident as far as can be learned was the result either of a misunderstanding or non-obeyance of orders between the night telegraph operator and the conductor of the express.
Marion McNish, the night operator at Stittsville got instructions to cross the express and a freight at Stittsville.
Why the express was not held at Stittsville as ordered has yet to be ascertained but the fact is it was not held and thundering on along the downgrade met half of the freight that should have crossed it at the Stittsville switch.  The result was a terrible collision.  At the point where the accident occurred the express runs at a high rate of speed.
Stittsville is at the top of a long steep grade. Just past Stittsville the ground rises slightly and then descends so that a train going east cannot see a train coming west.
The freight train was long and heavy.
The engineer of the freight divided his train in two.  He had taken one section to the Stittsville siding and was on the up-grade with the second section when the "Cannon Ball" express came tearing down the grade and quicker than it can be written there was a head-on crash, cries of the injured and wreckage strewn all around.  The collision occurred near the Hazeldean crossing.
The wreck was piled up 30 feet high. The two engines are badly damaged and the baggage car on the express and three freight cars wrecked.  The scene was a sad one to witness.
As soon as the crash was over and a crowd gathered doctors were sent for in all directions.  Soon there were on the scene Dr. Richardson of Hazeldean, Dr. Channonhouse and Dr. Danby of Richmond.  They worked hard to aid the injured.
As soon as the express appeared in sight, Engineer McCuaig of the freight put on the air brakes, but as soon as he saw a collision was inevitable he and the fireman jumped for their lives.
Brakeman Hastey of the freight, who had been riding on the engine, did not jump.  When the crash was over he was found pinned down by the leg in the wreck of the freight engine.  He was conscious.  He suffered terribly but lived until 8.30.
The poor fellow could not be taken out.  Mr. S. Mann of Stittsville was near him when he died.
"Get the stuff off me", he said weakly, and I will be all right. He then swooned and shortly afterwards breathed his last.
According to the story of Engineer McCuaig, the trains did not see each other until they were less than 8 car lengths apart, and there was no time to think.  As soon as he saw the express coming he told the fireman and brakeman, he says, to jump and jumped himself, getting clear.  The air was misty at the time and still comparatively dark.
Before the crash came Fireman L.O. Annable, of the express jumped, and escaped without injury. After the crash came Engineer Laurendeau, of the express could not at first be found, but later was found under the wreck. He is belioeved to be dead
The search for the train hands revealed the dead form of Robt. Peden, one of the best known mail clerks in the service. His body was not badly bruised, but he had apparently been instantly killed by the concussion. One leg was broken at the thigh, and his eyes were injured. He was found beneath the wreck of the engine and baggage car.
Mr. M.W. Sloan, Mr. Peden's assistant, was thrown out of the top of the smashed car, but was not so much injured.
Mr. F.C. Newton, of Ottawa, baggageman on the C.P.R. was sitting in the first car from the passenger engine when the collision occurred. He was in the baggage department while in the compartment ahead were Peden and Birchall, the two mail clerks.
Mr. Newton, asked his version, said: "There is not much to tell. It was all over in an instant. I was thrown toward the top of the car, and immediately  the top of the car broke open, and I climbed through, after waiting about five minutes until I could collect myself, I climbed down. It was pitch dark, and the fog was covering everything. Peden was lying in the ditch beside the broken baggage car. He did not seem to be much injured, but was covered with coal dust all over, and the mud was also spattered over him."
When seen, Mr. Newton was begrimed with coal dust. He had a most miraculous escape.
In the mail compartment with Peden was Mail Clerk Birchall, sleeping in the bunk near the end of the car nearest the engine. His bunk was smashed and he was hurt in the back, but was able to speak. His first remark when the train hands reached him was "Boys, I can't get out of here without my boots." Birchall's boots were lost in the wreckage.
James Hastey, the brakeman who was killed, was found pinned inside the water tank of the passenger train. How he got there is a mystery. The tank was filled with dirt and broken bits of iron in all shapes and sizes, but strange to say he drank a little water and brandy, but did not complain any. No one expected his death, but while they were working to free him he leaned back and died from the internal injuries he had received.
Brakesman Michael Quinn, 158 Division Street, Ottawa was in the fourth car from the front of the passenger engine. When the shock came he was thrown down, but walked out uninjured.
Fireman Annable just before the collision jumped and ran through the bushes some distance from the train.
Kearney when found was buried beneath a pile of debris, lying on his back and terribly crushed.
Kearney was identified by a letter in his pocket addressed to Thos. Kearney, Weston, Minn. The letter was signed "from your brother John Kearney, Cantley, Que."
Telegrapher McNish of Stittsville came down to the wreck and was put on board Mr. C.W. Spencer's private car. No person is allowed to speak to him but it is said he is not to blame, as it is stated he was not advised the freight (a special) was coming to Stittsville.
Pen Picture of the Wreck as seen by Journal Reporters
The wreck is a terrible looking scene. Two engines lie bottoms together, with the debris of broken freight cars and tenders piled upon them.  They are in a ditch on the south side of the track, in a swamp full of bulrushes.
The telegraph poles on both sides are bent away from the track, the wires broken and down.
The track runs through a swampy land and on both sides are low bushes.  The two engines are lying together in a ditch on the south side of the track.  The tender of the exress train was half way through the baggage car and the front of the second baggage car is also badly smashed.  Of the passenger train, only the engine left the track while the freight engine lies beside the passenger engine and the freight cars are piled in a heap on the north side of the track.  Two of the freight cars are smashed to pieces, while parts of the trucks are broken and twisted altogether out of shape.  The trees beside the engines are covered with earth for twenty feet back from the swamp and right up to the topmost limbs, while the fences look as if they had been built of mud.
The track where the engines met has been bent considerably, while the sleepers are broken and many will have to be renewed..  While the train hands at noon today are cleaning up the debris the wreckage was so entangled that many ties were further broken. Trains will likely be moving along the line before five o'clock this afternoon.
The Story of Mr. W.J. White, Who Was in the Pullman.
W.J. White, press immigration agent of the department of the interior, was a passenger by the express train. He was in the sleeper when the accident occurred.
Seen by a Journal reporter Mr. White said that everything went on all right on ther train and Stittsville was passed on time. About four miles on the Ottawa side of Stittsville the train collided with a freight.
"I was lying in my berth at the time," said Mr. White, "when the collision occurred. We got a terrible jolting. It was the second railway crash I have been in, and from the experience I had in the first I expected the sleeper every moment to drop on its broad side. It, however, kept the track. I crawled out as quickly as I could, The fog was so thick that I could not see three cars ahead. Both trains met in a hollow, where the fog was very much heavier than on the high land. The express was running about 40 miles an hour. Both engines were telescoped. The passenger train was carried about four lengths into the freight. The mail and express composite car was smashed to pieces, and mixed up among the engines, presenting a terrible wreck.
"I assisted to take Robert Peden, the mail clerk, out of the wreck. We carried him into the second class car. He died after getting into the car. The baggage car, which was next the express car, had left the track and the second class car was next the baggage car. Birchall, tbe other mail clerk, who was along with Peden in the same car, had a miraculous escape. How he was saved cannot be described. He is terribly shaken up, but not dangerously injured.
"Hastey, a brakeman of the freight when they were almost right on to train, was hemmed in the wreck like a wedge. He was perfectly conscious, and said that if the weight were taken off his legs he would get out. He complained of being sore all over.
"A tramp, who was stealing a ride on the train and gave his name as Carney, was badly injured, and may not live. Another tramp, who was along with Carney, was killed outright. Carney had $15 in his pocket.
"Rondeau [sic], the engineer of, the express train, was picked up dead. I saw a man in a crouching position over the fence, and I went up to speak to him. It was the fireman of the express Lyman Annabel. He did not appear to have a scratch on him. although considerably shaken up. The fireman jumped on the engineer's side, and the engineer on tbe fireman's side, the freight. The engineer sprang to his death, and the fireman had a most miraculous escape. This is tbe second time, I am told, that the same fireman got safely out of a wreck while his driver got killed.
"Thinking that the presence of a doctor was more necessary than anything else, I decided to go to Hazeldean, about three-quarters of a mile distant, for one. At that moment I saw a bicycle which had been in the express car lying in the wreck. It was perfectly sound. I picked it up and wheeled to Haseldean. After getting a doctor. I then rode to Britannia to get a telegram sent to Ottawa. We could not get a message sent from Stittsville. There was something wrong with the wires. However, before I reached Britannia word was got to Ottawa, and Superintendent C.W. Spencer and Mr. Robillard were passing Britannia in a special for the scene of the wreck, when I got there. I took the next special for Stittsville, and came back to Ottawa with it.
"The men on the freight train say that they left instructions with the operator at Stittsville to hold the Toronto express until such time as they went back for part of their traln.which they were unable to take up the grade. They were coming along with the second portion of tbe train-when the accident occurred.".
Mr.J. A. Smart, deputy minister of the Interior, occupied a berth in the sleeping car of the Toronto express which was in the smash up this morning.
Mr. Smart told a Journal reporter on his arrival in town that he was asleep when the collision occurred.
"The shock woke me up," continued Mr. Smart, "and I did not know at first what had happened." "There was a sort of rumbling noise as if the Pullman were rolling over the ties. I jumped out of my berth, rushed in my night dress to what I thought was the front of: the car, but came out upon the back platform. I could see no cars behind, and therefore concluded that our Pullman had been cut adrift from the other cars  In a moment, however, I realized the truth of the situation - there had been a collision. I then looked about and saw one of the worst wrecks I have ever looked upon. Both engines, piled up on one side of the track, were a shapeless mass. All the freight cars were likewise. Everything mixed up, all confusion.
"Fleming, one of the tramps wxs pinned under a pile of debris, and was crying out most pitifully. People told me that they could hear his yells a mile away. We then found Hastey, the brakesman of the freight train, pinned down under the tender of one of the engines. I approached and asked him if he were badly hurt. He told me "Yes." that he felt very sore. Rondeau, [sic] our engineer, could not be found. He was likely pinnsd down by his engine. Up to the time I left the scene, his body had not been taken from under the wreck. We administered stimulants to those whom we saw injured, and helped to ease their pain as best we could.
Fleming, tbe tramp, ceased his cries for a time, but shortly afterwards resumed them. He was next pulled out of the wreck, and was all covered with water, dirt and blood."
"What with the crying of the tramp, the groans of the injured, the appearance of the wrecked cars, the inextricable confusion of the whole affair, the sight presented was terrible."
Mr. Jas. G. Warnock, baker, of Sussex street; tells his story of the wreck as follows:
"I was in the sleeper of the express. There were perhaps 25 or 30 persons in the sleeper. This was the last cosch in the train. I felt the jolting of the car and said to myself 'what can this mean? This can't last much longer surely.' When I got out of our sleeper, which had not left the track, I found that a terrible accident had happened.
"Looking upon the wreck before me I could not, for a moment, imagine where I was. I could see nothing of either engine. There was not enough left of them to make a pot. Cars were piled up on all sides and the cries of sufferers could be heard for miles. I never listened to such cries as those made by a poor tramp who was covered up in the wreck. We could hear his shrieks above everything else. Every effort was made to release him. We thought at first that it was one of the train hands. We feared that in a moment fire would break out and that great loss of life would result. I think the water from the tenders and the steam from tbe boilers which had exploded must have stepped any fire that might have started."
"What do you think saved your life?" asked the reporter.
Mr. Warnock - "There  is nothing under heaven would saved our lives if the cars in the freight train had been loaded with any heavy material, As it was they were all empties and our train ploughed its way right through them. When I left there this morning the engineer and fireman on the freight were missing. It was thought they were buried under the piles of debris."
"I never saw a sadder sight in my life than the brakeman on the freight train as he lay under the tender. He was nearly buried in water and weed. He was very cold but we could not help him out. He lay there moaning and trying to keep his head above water.
'The land around the wreck was a swamp and the particular point where the accident happened is the lowest part of the country."
Mr. Warnock continuing stated what he believed to be the cause. He says that the freight train was too heavy and the engineer could not pull it up the hill into Stittsville. Part of the train was cut lose [sic] and taken into the station at Stittsville. The conductor reported to the operator there what he had done and told him to hold the express until be went back and brought up the remainder of his train: Whether the operator understood this or not is not known,
The engineer of the freight went back after the remainder of his train, believing that everything was perfectly safe.
The express train came up to Stittsville and took on one passenger and why something was not said by the night operator there about the freight train that was certain to be on the track about 3 miles this side of the station remains as yet unexplained.
The engineer on the express thought nothing of danger. He was running on time and for that reason felt all the more secure. He had left Stittsville and-was on the downgrade running 40 miles an hour. He caught sight ot the other engine when he was a few rods from it. Grabbing the throttle he shut off the steam but had no time to jump before the crash came.
Mr. Warnock says the escape of the Dominion Express Company's messenger, Mr. F. C. Newton. was the most marvellous thing. The messenger feeling the shock and knowing that something was wrong at once prepared to escape if possible.
There a great deal of fruit piled in the car and he at once climbed to the top of the car. He believed that if an opening was made in the roof he would be able to get out. Strange as it may sppear a hole large enough for him to get his head through was made in the roof of the car and Mr. Newton was able, after much effort, to drag himself through the small opening. Tbe other cars in tbe rear of the express car telescoped right over him and. he was left almost totally uninjured.
Mr. Lyman Annable, the express fireman who miraculously escaped from the wrecked passenger train, said this morning that at the time the smash up occurred, his train, was running at the regular rate of, speed 40 miles an hour.
"I think I was the first one to see the approaching freight train, stated Mr. Annable, As soon as I saw it, I said to my mate, Laurendeau, engineer, 'Frank, there's a headlight.' I knew there was going to be a collision, so I made for the side of the cab on which the wreck keeled over, and jumped out. Frank Rondeau followed me. I rolled down the embankment, and landed with my feet up against a fence. Sometime later when a passenger found met, 'I was on the other side of the fence. I don't know how I got there.
"Poor Frank did not escape. He was a good deal heavier man than I am, and probably could not move so fast. The engine fell on him and pinned him to the ground.

Ottawa Evening Journal Friday 15 October, 1897. 
Preparations for the Funerals - An Estimate of the Company's Loss - Insurance on the Lives of the Deceased.

The body of Flavien Laurendeau, the engineer of the "cannon ball" express was recovered from the debris of yesterday's railway collision on the C.P.R. near Stittsville late yesterday afternoon.
After the wrecking gang had succeeded in clearing the track to permit train service to proceed, they set to work to remove the broken timbers that lay on the north side of the track.This was the side of the track to which Engineer Laurendeau jumped, and where it was known his body lay, covered by debris.
Piece after piece of the broken timbers of the wrecked cars were removed with that regularity and celerity so remarkable about wrecking crews, but it was not until they had reached the bottom of the debris that Luarendeau's [sic] lifeless body was found.
It was a horrible sight to witness. The body was doubled in two as if he had been in a sitting posture when the cars tumbled over, on bis back and crushed him down. The clothing was torn from off his back. The face was not greatly disfigured, but the body bad many large cuts upon it.
The remains were sent in on the next train to Ottawa after they were recovered.
The body, was taken from the Union depot to Mr. Alt Jullen's morgue, and prepared for burial. Last evening it was removed from the morgue to his late residence, 538 Albert street, where widow and three children two girls and a boy, aged 15, 14 and 11 years respectively awaited the sad home-coming.
Mrs. Laurendeau stated to-day that her husband had been connected with the C.P.R. for 15 years. He had no apprehension when leaving home on Wednesday night that anything would happen him. Several friends called that evening, and he was in particularly happy spirits.
Her husband, she added, was 38 years of age. He was a member of Capital Division No. 168, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, also of Branch 58 C.M.B.A., and Progress Lodge, No. 234. A.O.U.W. He held $2,000 insurance in both the C.M.B.A. and the A.O.V.W., and will also receive benefits from the Insurance branch of the B. of L.E. He had also $200 in shares in a B.of L. E. investment.
The members of Capital Division, No. 163, B.of L.E., have sent a beautiful wreath, and Branch 58, C.M.B.A., have done the same. Another wreath comes from the Ladies of the Rosary in connection with St. Jean Baptists Church, of which society Mrs, Laurendeau is a member.
The funeral will take place to-morrow morning at 6.30 to St. Jean Baptiste church, and the remains will be taken to Montreal on, the C P.R. train at 8.30, where his relatives live. The body wlll be interred in Hochelaga cemetery, Montreal, on Sunday afternoon.
Mr. Pierre Laurendeau, father of the dead engineer, came up from Montreal last evening.
Little did a small group of friends, among them a representative of the Journal, who chatted with Robert Peden in the rotunda of the Grand Union on Monday evening know as Mr. Peden smilingly bid them "good evening," as he was about to start for his train, that he was than going out on his last "run." Ever jovial and friendly he was particularly so that evening. He left Ottawa on the 10.25 train for Toronto, arriving there next morning. He remained over in Toronto until nine o'clock Tuesday evening when the "Cannon Ball" left, for the east. After delivering the mail at Carleton Place and having all the mall for Ottawa made up he and his pair mall clerk lay down in their berths to rest until Ottawa was reached, the train making no stops, between the junction town and this city. Peden wss lying in the upper berth while his companion lay in the lower one. They were both dozing when the collision occurred. It would be supposed that the occupant of the lower berth would be in more danger of losing his life than one in the upper berth, but strange to say it was Peden in the upper berth who was killed while his friend escaped with only slight injuries. The csr which they occupied was telescoped and broken into kindling wood.
Robert Peden was one of, if not the oldest mall clerks belonging to the Ottawa division.
He had been connected with the railway mail service for 27 years, and was never in any serious wreck before.  For many years he "mailed" on the C.P.R. from Ottawa to Sand Point and Renfrew, when these points were the terminal points of the line. He was the railway mall clerk who carried the first mails to these places, when the line was known as the Central Canada. He has been on the Ottawa-Toronto service for some time and during the last two years, has been making straight trips between the two cities.
He leaves a wife and three children. He was a brother to Auditor Peden of the C.A.R. offices. He was a member of Knox church and recently has been lodging at the Grand Union.
The body of Mall Clerk Peden was brought to the city on the Brockville train at three o'clock yesterday afternoon. A large crowd of people were at the Union depot awaiting its arrival. It was conveyed to Geo. Rogers morgue, where it was prepared for burlaL.
The railway mail clerks of the Ottawa division have passed a resolution of condolence with the friends of the late Robert Peden, one of their oldest members. They have also sent a beautiful, wreath to be laid on the casket.
The remains of the late Mr. Peden were removed from Mr. George Rogers' morgue. Bank street at ten o clock this morning to the residence of Mrs. Peden, 87 Albert street, where they will remain until interred.
The records of the P. O. department show that the late; Mr. Peden was the second oldest in the service in this district. He made his first run on January 5th, 1871. He was born May 14th, 1849, at Brockville, of Scotch descent, and was a Presbyterian in religion.
He was Insured for $3,000. Of ths amount $2,000 was placed with the North American Insurance Co. He had been on the books of this company for twelve years and renewed his insurance but two weeks ago.
He was for fifteen years a member of Ottawa Lodge, No. 224  I.O.O.F., and a Past Grand of the lodge. He carried no insurance with fraternal societies,
The Canadian Railway Accident Assurance Company are generally heavy losers in all railway accidents because of the large number of claims they carry and it is very singular that through yesterday's accident they do not lose a cent, although they carry three thousand policies on the C.P.R.. line alone. Frank Laurendeau, the dead engineer of the Toronto express, was insured with this company for $2,000. but his policy lapsed on September 23rd, and he neglected to renew it He however carried $10 a week Indemnity.
Fireman Lyman Annable was also insured in the company, but escaped unhurt..
The remains of the late James Hastey the brakesman on the freight were removed from Rogers & Sons morgue Nicholas street this morning, and conveyed by the Toronto train to Carleton Place where his relatives reside. A local deputation of the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen accompanied the remains to the Junction town. The local lodge of the B. of R.T. at Carleton Place sent a beautiful wreath. The C.P.R Co. furnished a handsome walnut casket in which the remains were  laid.
The body of R. Kearney of Cantley, Que.. who was stealing a ride on the freight and was killed in the collision was taken to Cantley this morning by relatives and will be interred in Cantley cemetery to-morrow. His relatives state that he left home with the intention of beating his way to Duluth, Minn. He came to Ottawa and spent a couple of days here before starting, boarding; at the Dominion House. He was 36 years of age and unmarried.
About two hundred boxes of fruit were in the wreckage of the express car. Most of it was saved with but slight injury, and piled at the side of the track until the track was cleared and the Brockville train came along and removed it to Ottawa. The farmers and others on the scene of the wreck were given the broken baskets and their contents, which were unflt for removal.
Mr. W.A. Clark, the local manager of the Dominion Express Co., was early on the scene to look after the interests of his company.
To show how strange things do sometimes happen in a railway smash up. it is told, by Mr. Clark that among the express parcels was a case of chinaware. The case was broken into pieces, but not one piece of the chinaware was smashed.
About 7 years ago a bad wreck occurred on the C.P.R. line about half a mile west of the scene of yesterday's accident. One day in the midwinter of 1890, after a heavy snowstorm a freight train got stuck in a snowbank east of Stittsvllle. An express train was about due from Ottawa, and a brakeman of the train was sent on to flag the approaching express. He was unable to attract the attention of the engineer, and the express ran on and crashed into the snow-bound freight with the result that both engines were smashed to pieces, also the baggage car of the express and half a dozen freight cars. The engineers and firemen of both trains jumped for their lives and no one was injured.
The loss of the  C.P.R.is considerable. Two locomotives. two baggage cars and three freight cars were destroyed.  A passenger engine, when taken from the Baldwin locomotive works, where the most of the locomotivesin use on Canadian roads are manufactured, would cost $9,000. which with a 30 per cent. duty added would make the engine worth $12.000.
A freight engine at the locomotlv -works is worth about $8.000, or with duty added about $10,665.
A baggage car costs in the neighborhood of $3.000, and freight cars about $450 each.
The total cost of replacing the destroyed rolling stock might be summed up as follows:
Passenger locomotive …                $12,000
Freight locomotive                          10,660
Two baggage cars, at $3,000 each      6,000
Three freight cars, at $450 each         1.350
                                                     $30,010.
Operator McNIsh ef Stlttsvllle is being kept in custody at the C.P.R. station. The crown authorities have not yet decided to place him under arrest, but he is being held for the present. He is only nineteen years of age and feels very keenly over the accident. Any expression of opinion that he is responsible for the accident should be withheld until the verdict of the coroner's jury is given.
Mr. S. Mann. merchant of Stittsville, was one of the first on the scene. The message to Ottawa announcing the wreck was telephoned from Mr. Mann's store about six o'clock.
Mr. Mann gathered plenty of cotton, vaseline and liniment expecting that some people might have been burned, and that he would need the liniment and bandages. Fortunately no person was scalded except, those killed .
Among the first on the scene were Mrs. J.C. Bradley and Mrs. W. Burrows, of Hazeldean, and Mrs.W.Hodgins and Mrs. J.J. Hodglns, ot Stlttsville. These ladies brought cans of tea, and food, along with them, and helped all who cared to eat anything. Their kindness and thoughtfulness were much appreciated and many kind words were said of them. They remained at the wreck until the afternoon, endeavoring to make the train hands more comfortable.
Through the kindness of Mr. C. W. Spencer yesterday the press representatives had lunch in his private car "Rosemere."
The first train to get past the scene of the wreck was the Brockville mixed which arrived in Ottawa at three o'clock yesterday afternoon about six hours late. The train was held at Stlttsvllle from about 8.45 a.m. until half past two in the afternoon. The Pembroke local due here shortly before noon was also held there for three hours. The first train to run out of Ottawa going west was the Toronto express which left the Union Depot at 2.30, or four hours behind time.
The trains last evening and to-day have been running on time.
Yesterday afternoon at four o'clock an inquest was opened at Rogers and Son's morgue. They first viewed the remains of the victims of the accident, and then adjourned, until eight o'clock in the evening. The jury is msde up of the following gentlemen: A.C. Larose, foreman; Dr. Parnell, Geo. Low, Frank Kehoe, John Buchanan, Jos. Boyden. S. Mahoney,
P.H. Chabot. L.T. Rochon. W. H. Davis, Frank Montgomery, Ed. Whelan, W.E. Brown. F. Merritt, Wm. Keenahan,  W.A. Davis.
When the jury filed into their places in the evening it was decided to confine the enquiry to the death of James Hastey,  the dead brakeman.
The examination of the witnesses was conducted by County Crown Attorney Ritchie. The C. P. R. was represented by Mr.Curl, of Scott and Curl, Mr. C W. Spencer and Superintendent Robillard. Mr. J.I. MacCraken was present in the interests of the relatives of: the late Mr. Peden.
The first witness was Mr.W.J. White, press agent of the interior department. He came from Toronto, he said, on the ill-fated express. The accident occurred about half-past five o'clock. At that time he was asleep in his berth. He received a bad shock, and went to the rear end of the sleeper to ascertain what was the matter. So foggy was it he could not see any distance. He heard screaming, and returning to the coach he quickly dressed and then went forward to where the engines were piled upon each other. He noticed what he supposed was the coal oil lamp in the damaged baggage car still burning. He saw two men carried into the first class car, apparently dead. Another man was seen pinned beneath a freight car.
Mr. C W. Spencer, general superintendent of the eastern division of the C.P.R. said to avert danger in the event of an arcldent mineral seal oil was used for lighting the cars instead of coal oil.
Another passenger on the car was Mr. Joseph P. Rogers. He said that as soon as he got out of his berth he rushed forward and found a man lying injured among the debris. He heard another crying for help.
Dr. Scott, of Wellington street, gave testimony in regard to an examination of the- body of the dead brakeman. He believed death was due to the shock and injuries sustained. His right leg was: broken above the knee, and had several bums upon it. The left foot was also scalded. Over the right temple was found a deep cut.
Dr. Scott reached the scene in company with Mr. C W.Spencer, Hastey was alive and lying within the tender of his engine, with part of the boiler pinning him down. He was in great suffering. Everything possible was done to get him out. By degrees the wreckage was carefully removed, but he had died about five minutes before he could be removed.
After getting the body out it was sent on to Ottawa by a special train.
Jno. Mindler, of Detroit, Mich., was another passenger on the express. He discovered Brakeman Hastey lying in the overturned tender after the steam had cleared away from the wreck. A trainman crawled through the manhole to give the unfortunate man assistance, but the debris could not be removed from on top of his body, and be died three hours afterward.
Henry Forbes, a resident of Goulbourne township, got on the Toronto train at Stittsvllle About 6.25 yesterday morning. He could not say what rate of speed the train was going at when the accident happened. After the collision he saw Hastey pinioned in the tender. He was alive and spoke.
Before leaving Stittsville witness noticed that a train came up from Ottawa. He supposed it went into the siding. He could not say whether this train went on or returned.
About the hour the Toronto train was due, Walter Kavanagh was at the Stittsville station. A train came in from Ottawa and went back again. He noticed a man get off the train and go into the station in a hurry and tell the operator "Let no train, through until I get my train made up. Kavanagh did not remember that the operator replied. On the arrival of the Toronto train the agent waa walking up ana down the platform at the Stlttsville station.
At this stage of the evidence it was decided to adjourn the case until next Tuesday evening.

Ottawa Daily Citizen 15 October 1897

The Accident Took Place Two Miles this Side of Stittsville-What Walter Kavanagh Heard While in the Station at Stittsville-Evidence Given Before the Coroner's Jury Last Evening.
A "head-on" collision with fatal results occurred early yesterday morning on the CP.R. about two miles east of Stittsville, and 13 miles from Ottawa. The express train from Toronto, due to arrive here at 5.50 a.m., collided with a freight train going west. Both trains were running at a high rate of speed. There are four deaths as the result of the accident:
Frank Larondeau, Ottawa, engineer of the express, found dead under the debris.
Robert Peden, mail clerk, Ottawa.
James Hastey, Carleton Place, front brakeman on freight train.
H. Kearney, of Cantley, Quebec.
The injured are: Alex. McQuaig, of Carleton Place, engineer of the freight train, leg broken; H. Kavanagh, fireman, also of Carleton Place, scratched and bruised ; and P. J. Fleming, of Cantley, Que, who was with Kearney.
The accident occurred at 5.27, as is indicated by Larondeau's watch having stopped at that time. It was foggy. and Engineer McQuaig, of the freight train, says he could not see a yard ahead. The two trains were running at full speed. The place where the accident happened is about half way between Stittsviile station and a curve in the road about three miles east. The freight was a heavy one, and had been divided into two parts at Bell's Corners in order to run up the heavy grade between that place and Stittsville. The first half had been taken as far as Stittsville and orders should have been left there for the express to wait at Stittsville till the freight came up with the second section. It was the duty, it is said, of brakeman Hastey to have stayed by the section of the freight sidetracked at Stittsville, in order to flag ary train from the west. Instead, he went back with the freight engine to Bell's Corners. However, Walter Kavanagh testified before the coroner's jury last night that he heard someone, presumably the conductor of the freight train, tell the station agent at Stittsville, Marion (sic) McNish, not to allow the express train to pass until the freight train had been made up.
The Toronto train was sharp on time, and the two trains met with a crash that was heard a mile away. At the place where the collision occurred the freight had just got over the grade and was running for Stittsville at a good speed.
The two engines met at united speed of about ninety miles an hour. As they struck they reared up on end, the hind drivers meeting. Both locomotives then toppled over on the south side of the track. Four freight cars, three of them empty cattle cars, were driven on past the engines and piled in a heap on the north side of the track. Two i these cars are broken into kindling wood. The other two can be repaired.
On the rear of the passenger train the shock was scarcely felt. The mail car, in which were Peden and F. Birchall, also a mail clerk, was badly broken up.
SAW THE DANGERS, Engineer Alex. McQuaig, of the freight, and his fireman, H. Kavanagh, heard the express coming thundering down upon them just as they rounded the curve. The driver reversed his engine and put on the steam brake. Then both men jumped for their lives. McQuaig came off with his right leg broken near the ankle. Kavanagh was more fortunate, sustaining only a few, bruises and a cut over one of his eyes
The engineer of the express evidently did not see the approaching freight in time to jump. His fireman, Lyman Annable, jumped, and escaped with a few slight cuts and bruises. Annable says he jumped from the engineer's side of the engine cab and the engineer from his side. The place where Larondeau's body was found, among the wreckage on the north side of tie track verifies this statement. F. Birchall and M. W. Sloan were also in the mail coach with Robert Peden, and had miraculous escapes from death.
When the search for the bodies began Peden was found under the debris of the engine and baggage car. Brakeman Hastey was not dead when found pinned in between a freight car and the wreck of the freight engine. He was unconscious, though, and died about three; hours after. It is thought that Kearney had been stealing a ride, and when found was dead. His body was lying among the debris of the freight) cars.
The body of Larndeau was not discovered until about half-past four in the afternoon. As Annable said, be must have jumped from the fireman's side of the! cab. He probably jumped almost as the engines met, for his body was found among, the broken freight on the north side of the track almost opposite the wreck of the locomotives. When found the body was doubled up, with the hands up to the head, and the clothes were partly torn off.
P. J. Fleming was stealing a ride with Kearney on the freight train, but escaped with a few scalp wounds. His injuries are not serious and he will probably .soon recover. Hei is at the Protestant Hospital, where he was conveyed at once.
A wrecking train was promptly on the scene of the accident, and the work of rescuing the wounded and cleaning (sic) the tracks begun. Doctors were also sent for, and Dr. Richardson came from Hazeldean, Dr. Shannonhouse and Dr. Darby from Richmond. They gave valuable, assistance in taking care of the wounded. The line was cleared sufficiently to allow trains to pass by one o'clock. The telegraph lines of both the G. N. W. and C. P. R. Companies run along this line, and were broken down by the wreck being thrown against the poles. Gangs of men repaired them temporarily. The passengers on the express were transferred to a train for Ottawa, brought into the cityj and breakfasted by  he C. P. R- They sneak in high terms of the way in which the company treated them.
Mr. C. W. Spencer estimates the loss to the C. P. R. at about $6.000. The two engines were old; ones and were soon to have been sent to the repair shops. Two of the freight cars can be repaired at a small cost, while there is a great deal of both engines and cars that can be saved.
During the day the wreck was visited by large numbers of people from Ottawa and from the country round. Many went by bicycle from the city, and many farmers drove to the scene of the accident and watched the gang of wreckers at work clearing the tracks. Several of the sight seers brought their kodacks, and took snap shots of the wreck.
Evldence of Some of the Psssengers - Walter Kavanagh's Story.
Coroner Freeland opened the inquest at Undertaker S. M. Rogers' morgue, at four o'clock, yesterday afternoon. After the remains of James Hastey. brakeman, and Jas. Kearney had been viewed, an adjournment was made until the evening. lte y is composed as follows: A. C. Larose. foreman; Dr. Parnell, Geo. Low. Frank Kehoe, John Buchanan, Jos. Boyden. S. Mahoney. P. H. Charbot. L. T. Rochbn,,W. H. Davis, Frank Montgomery. Ed. Whelan, W. E. Brown, F. Merritt, Wm. Keenahan, W. A.Davis.
Wnen the jury met in the evening County Crown Attorney Ritchie was in attendance and examined the witnesses. Mr. Curl, of Scott and Curl, appeared on behalf of the C. P. R. and Mr. MacCraken for the relatives of Mr. Peden. Mr. C. W. Spencer and Mr. Robillard of the C. P. R. were also present.
It was decided to confine the inquest to the death of James Hastey, the brakeman. who was killed on the front part of the freight train.
Mr. W. J. White, press agent of the department of the Interior was first examined. He was on the train, having boarded it at Toronto. He could not say what time they reached Stiftsvi!Ie. but the accident occurred just a few minutes before half-past five o'clock. He was in his berth at the time. As soon as it happened he arose and went to the rear end of the coach. It was so foggy that it was difficult for him to see any distance. He heard the screaming of those ahead and he put on his clothes and went forward. There was nothing that be noticed then except that there had been a smash up.
To Mr. Ritchie the witness said he saw two men carried into the first class car. These were all be saw, except a portion of a man underneath a freight car.
Further, he stated that the coal oil lamp in the baggage car was still burning. He asked one of the injured men if he was hurt, but he seemed so badly shook up that he gave but a very incoherent answer.
Mr. C. W. Spencer, by way of explanation, stated that coal oil was not used in the lamps. Mineral sea oil was used as a precaution.
Witness withdrew his statement about the coal oil, stating that he only thought such had been used,
Mr. Joseph P. Rogers was on the train. He testified that as soon as the accident happened he jumped from his berth, went forward, but could only see a cloud of vapor. On going forward further be saw a man injured. He went over the debris and heard a man crying out for help. One of the engines was on the right hand side of the track coming east. Both might have been there ; he didn't take particular notice.
Dr. Scott, sworn, said he had examined the body of deceased. Death was due to shock and injuries received. There were several burns on his right leg. which was broken a little above the knee. The left foot was burned, and there was a deep cut over the right temple. He went to the wreck from the city with Mr. |Spencer, and when he first saw Hastey he was alive. The tender was turned on its side. He was in it, and part of the boiler was holding him down. Hastey said he was suffering very much. It was very difficult to get at him. One of the train hands had got in where be was and was carrying out directions. Eveiything was done that could be done to get him out. It took quite a while because they had to go gently about it for fear of some of the wreck falling on him. He was dead when taken out, having died in there about five minutes before being extricated. They placed bis body on a train and brought it to Ottawa, arriving here about half-past eleven.
John Mindler, Detroit, Mich, was on the train. He felt a shock and beard a man shout "Great Scott, vot am going to happen ?" He went forward immediately with another man, and heard a man shout for help. He seemed to be in the midst of the gushing steam. Witness started to climb up the side of the wreck to give some assistance, but slipped down twice. When the steam cleared away some he saw the man in the tender by looking through the manhole. He was all covered over with dirt. One of the trainmen managed to get through tbe manhole to his assistance.
Henry Forbes, of Goulbourn, boarded the express train at Stittsille at about twenty-five minutes past five o'clock. He saw a man in the office, and afterwards walking up and down the platform. The train, he thought, arrived at Stittsville on time. He could not say at what rate of speed it was going when the accident happened. The shock caused bim to bump back against his seat. He raw Hastey pinioned in the tender some time after the collision. The man was alive, for he beard bim shout " Jim." While be was at Stittsville a train came from Ottawa, and he thought it drew into the siding, and was blowing and shunting. He went away to unharness a horse and returned about ten minutes afterwards. He could not say positively whether this train went on or returned, nor whether it left any cast on tbe siding.
Walter Kavanagh was at Ithe Stittsville station about twenty-five minutes to five. A train came from Ottawa and went back again. A mangot off the train and went into tbe station. He heard him say, "Let no trains through until I get my train made up." The man seemed to he in a hurry. The operator was in the office. Witness could not say whether tbe operator made any reply. When the Toronto train arrived he saw the agent walking up and down the station platform. After the collision happened he saw deceased pinioned in the tender. He heard him say, "Send for two engines and draw the cars away". Witness could not say that be would know the man again who spoke to the operator if he saw him again.
After hearing Mr. Kavanagh the jury, by agreement, adjourned until Tuesday evening at tbe same place.
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Almonte Gazette 15 October 1897

On the CPR at Stittsville Today - Three Men Killed and Many Injured- Cars Destroyed - Fearful Result of an Operator's Carelessness.

The shocking news has been received here today (Thursday) that by a collision of the canon-ball express from Toronto with a freight train at Stittsville this morning about 5:15 o'clock both trains were wrecked, the engines and the passenger coaches being destroyed, three lives were sacrificed, and many of the passengers were injured. Owing to the fact that the telegraph poles and wires were smashed the reports obtainable up to the time of going to press are somewhat meager. From what we can learn it seems that the freight from Ottawa to Carleton Place had orders to take the siding at Stittville in order to allow the Toronto express the right of way, as usual. However the freight was so heavy that it stuck on the heavy grade beyond Stittsville, intending to come on to that station in two sections. The first section arrived there and left word with the operator (Mr. McNish, who had just been there a day or two) to hold the express at Stittsville until the other section was brought in. It appears that in some way the operator failed to hold the express, and it ran along at full speed, as usual, crashing into the freight. The engines and cars were smashed terribly, and were piled up in a chaotic heap. Mail Clerk Robt. Peyton of Ottawa, (and formerly of Brockville) was killed, as was also engineer Larondeau, of Ottawa. Brakeman Hasty, of Carleton Place, was pinned beneath the tender of the freight engine and was unable to be extricated, though he lived there six hours after the accident. He succumbed about noon today. He was married but had no children. Mr. Hasty was a brother-in-law of Mr. Ed. Moore, section-man here. At the time of writing the road had not been cleared. Operator McNish is under arrest.

Ottawa Evening Journal Saturday 16 October 1897.
Borne to the grave.

Ottawa Free Press 19 October 1897

Mr. William McAllister, the Carleton Place photographer, was at the scene of the recent C.P.R. wreck and took a number of excellent views of the catastrophe.  He has disposed of over fifty to C.P.R. employees.

Ottawa Journal 19 October 1897


The adjourned inquest into the death of the victims of the railway accident near Stittsville last Thursday will be continued to-night at eight o'clock in Rogers morgue, 36 Rideau street. Sixteen witnesses will be examined by Coroner Freeland. These include the train hands, and several Ottawa passengers on the express train. The witnesses will be W. Booth. A. Hamilton and M. Quinn, trainmen; Alex. Kavanagh, fireman on the freight; A. McQuaig. engineer on the same train; W.H.E. Pearson, conductor on the express; Conductor Hawes, of the freight; P.C. Hewton. express messenger; Marion McNish, operator at Stittsvllle; J.E.A. Robillard. divisional superintendent. The passengers who will give evidence are Dr. Fletcher, of the Experimental Farm; Mr. J G. Warnock, Mr. J. Smart, deputy minister of Interior; Mr. H.H. Harrington. Mr. J.H. Newcombe and Mr. James Ogilvy..

Ottawa Daily Citizen 20 October 1897

Not to Let the "Cannon Ball" pass Sttisville -  Evidence Given at the Adjourned Inquest Into the Death of the Railway Men.
The adjourned inquest into the death of James Hastey, one of the victims of the recent railway disaster near Stittsville, was resumed in S. Maynard Rogers' new undertaking establishment, Rideau street, last night, before Coroner Freeland. The building was crowded to the doors. Mr. J. A. Ritchie was present in the interest of the crown and W. H. Curle represented the C.P.R
The first witness called was Solomon Logan, section foreman in district No. 29. between Stittsville and Ashton. He merely staled that he visited the wreck shortly after the accident.
Thomas Mattingly, section foreman, stated that it was not customary to divide freight trains, but it was done occasionally
James T. Warnock, W. H. Harrington, James A. Smart, Deputy Minister of the Interior and Prof. Fletcher, all of whom were on the Toronto express at the time of the accident, swore that they heard no orders given by the operator at Stittsville to the train hands.
J. E. A. Robillard, superintendent of the Montreal and Chalk River division of the C.P.R., was the next witness. He explained the mode of train despatching and clearance on the C. P.R. The clearance order for the express to proceed from Carleton Junction to Ottawa was produced. It authorized the conductor to proceed to his destination at Ottawa. Stittsville is only a flag station. It was a special freight that collided with the Toronto express. The conductor of the freight would receive orders to run from Ottawa to Carleton Junction and keep clear of the regular trains. Such orders would be issued by the train despatcher at Ottawa. R. W. McCo-mick was the despatcher on the morning of the accident. Engineers have the right to return for detached portions of trains, but must notify the nearest station agent to hold regular trains. When the accident occurred McNish was the operator at Stittsville. Special freights must take orders at each station.
To a juryman witness stated that specials are made up by the agents snd yardmasters.
To Mr. Curle It is not customary to divide freights. There were five men in charge of the special freight that morning.
William II. E. Pearson, conductor of the Toronto express, was then called. He said : I was in charge of No. 29 at the time of the accident on the 15th inst. I received my clearance order at Carleton Junction. (Witness here identified the order.) The order authorized me to run to Ottawa clear of all trains unless stopped by special orders. I gave the order to the engineer. After leaving Carleton Junction our first stop was at Stittsville at 5.18 a.m. We were flagged to take on a passenger. 1 did not leave the coach at Stittsville; saw red signal light on the station platform. If the Nunn signal had been displayed it would have indicated to stop for orders. I had no conversation whatever with the operator at Stittsville or anyone else; I received no instructions or warning at Stittsville. Having no knowledge that the special was coming from Ottawa I gave the engineer the signal to go ahead. I noticed no cars on the siding at Stittsville; was in the smoking apartment of the sleeper when the trains struck. My train was running from 25 to 28 miles an hour. It was dark and foggy. When the collision occurred I left the car and went forward toward the locomotive; saw James Hastey by the side of the tender; it was impossible to extricate him. He was conscious at the time but I had no conversation with him just then. When I ordered my brakeman to flag any approaching train Hastey said, " For God's sake get me out of here and I will do the flagging". Immediately after I left for Ottawa, Hastey being alive at that time.
Lyman Annable sworn, said: I was fireman on the Toronto express on the morning of the accident and saw a red lieht on the platform at Stittsville station. I saw no one waving the light or on the platform when the train approached. I did not notice Engineer Larondeau speaking to any person at Stittsville. I would have noticed if anyone had spoken to the entineer. Larondeau said " All right," and we left for Ottawa. I noticed no cars on the siding. About 2 1-2 miles east of Stittsville, I noticed a headlight about eight car lengths ahead of us. I said: "That's a beadlight, Frank !" He made no reply, but applied the air brakes; it stopped the impetus of the train. It was on a straight line that the accident occurred. When I spoke I left my seat and jumped, the engines being about four car lengths apart at that time. I jumped, and, striking the ground, rolled as far as the fence. It was very foggy and dark, i didnt see Hastey.
To a juryman "I didn't see McNish that night or before."
Walter Kavanagh was next examined by Mr, Curil He said: "I was in Stittsville station the morning of the accident; train is due there at 5.18; I reached station, at 10 minutes to 5; saw a freight coming in when entering the station; saw a man come in station; I took him to be a train official; he carried a lantern, but wore no uniform. He said to McNish: "Let no trains through until I get mine made up.'"He .seemed: in a hurry; had a dark moustache ; wouldn't know him if I saw him again. I am not positive whether the operative was in the office at that time, and didn't hear him answer the trainman. He was there when I got my ticket. He came out on the arrival of the express. I don't remember having had any conversation with any train hands since the accident."
William H. Kavanagh said be was fireman on the special freight leaving Ottawa that morning. The train consisted of 26 stock cars, and a van. It was heavy. On reaching Bell's Corners they met with difficulty. They went half a mile up grade and stopped. Engineer McCuaig gave orders to cut the train. McCuaig, Hastey and himself took the train to Stittsville, arriving there at 4.50. They put twelve cars on the siding. Hastey went into the station after they had left the cars on the siding, and on coming out said he had told the operator to hold the "cannon ball," meaning the Toronto express. At the time of the collision McCuaig noticed the express coming first. He said : "Here's the 'cannon ball,' jump!" No flagman was left at Stittsville. Both semaphores were up- when they left. They were not up when they arrived. When they got there the last sempahore was not showing; the" west might have been.
 At 11.30 Coroner Freeland adjourned the inquest until to-night at eight o'clock.

Ottawa Journal 20 October 1897


The story of the C.P.R. wreck at Stittsville last Thursday morning was told to the coroner's jury last night by the train hands of the wrecked trains. No verdict was reached. The inquest will be resumed to-night.
William Henry Kavanagh, fireman on the special freight which left Ottawa between 3 and 4 a. m., told an interesting story which gives more light than any evidence so far. He said:
"We left Ottawa with 28 empty stock cars and crossed No. 8, the Sault train, at Britannia.
It is about 9 miles from Britannia to Stittsville, and we had an hour to make that distance without taking any of the time that belonged to No. 28, the express. We got stuck on the grade when about 1-2 mile up it. I think It was about 4.30 a.m.
"Engineer McCuaig ordered the train to be cut. This was done and we took 12 cars to Stittsville. Engineer McCuaig, deceased Brakeman Hastey and myself took the 12 cars in. Hastey went in to tell the operator to hold all east-bound trains until we had our train in. We waited for him. Hastey said when he returned 'I told the operator to hold the Cannon Ball.' The three of us went back on the engine for the rest of our-train. A flagman should have stopped at Stittsville, but none did stop.  When we entered the yards at Stittsville the eastern semaphore was up. When we backed out it was down. We had coupled to the remainder of our train and started up the grade when 'Here is the Cannon Ball. jump.' I heard Engineer McCuaig shout. I  jumped, and further l cannot telL"
On being interrogated, Mr. Kavanagh said that they had instructions to meet a special east-bound freight at Stittsvllle.
Thomas Mattingly, the section foreman of section 28, asked about the location and scene of the accident, said there is a grade coming into Stittsville from Ottawa. Where the accident occurred the ground is low, but there is another grade between the scene of the wreck and Bell's Corners, which  place is nearer Ottawa. This grade was pretty steep and was about a half mile long.
Mr. Ritchie, Crown prosecutor "Has it been customary to divide heavy trains on this grade"
Mr. Mattlngly "I have seen it done on several occasions. The method generally adopted in the case of a train that is stuck is to come up as far as they can and then brake part of the train there and run to the next station with the balance. This was what was done on the morning of the wreck." Mr. Mattlngly saw nothing of the accident.
To W.H. Curie, solicitor for the C.P.R., Mr. Mattlngly replied that not more than an average of one train a month was divided on this grade in question.
James G Warnock. baker, Sussex street; W. H. Harrington. Ottawa; James A. Smart, deputy minister of the interior. and Professor Fletcher were all passengers on the "cannon ball" express from Toronto. They were tn the sleepee heard no orders and knew nothing of the accident until it was over.
Mr.J.E.A.Roblllard, divisional superintendent. explained how trains were run on the C.P,R. He stated that trains are .all run on the double order system. Regular trains run on the time bill, and special trains run on orders given by the despatcher at the terminal point. Train No. 28 - the cannon-ball express - was a regular train. That train would leave Smith's Falls on a clearance order which gave it the right of way to Ottawa over all other trains. That order would be given, about 4 50 a.m. of Thursday, Oct 14th, and with that order the express had a perfect right to run to Ottawa unless signals were displayed to stop her..
The conductor of the express would have no knowledge of any train coming from Ottawa. The specials leaving Ottawa would have to keep out of the way of this  regular train. The clearance order would not be given in duplicate, and in all probability the conductor would give the clearance order to the driver as his authority to proceed
Mr. Ritchie - If it were necessary to stop the express to give orders, how would it be done?
Mr. Roblllard The "Munn" signal, which is on the station house, would be displayed, and the conductor would be obliged to stop and get a duplicate clearance order or an order of some kind from the operator at that point.
With great care did Mr. Roblllard explain: the system. He said that the semiphores would stop a train from enterlng a station yard. No trainman must a pass a red light. The train running from Ottawa on the morning of the 14th was a special. It would get an order to run from Ottawa to Carleton Junction, avoiding regulars. The train dispatcher at Ottawa. Mr. R.W. McCorraick. sent out the freight train. If the train could not be pulled up the  grade on account of wind, wet weather or any cause whatever, the conductor could do nothing else but break his train, and if he had time, run part of it to the next station. If he found that he would be running upon the time of another approaching train; he would send out flagmen with fog signals, torpedoes, etc., and protect, his train at both ends.
If he had time to reach the station ahead, he should do so. At the station to which a portion of the train had been taken a flagman must be left to guard that portion of the train and to signal the approaching train to stop. The engineer and fireman; had a perfect right under all circumstances to return at once for the detachment of the train that had been left behind. Mr. Roblllard presumed this was what was done at Stittsville on the morning in question. If the operator at Stittsville knew that the train had been divided, he should have set the signals, but that would not excuse the front brakeman from remaining with his part of the train to signal the oncoming train.
On being questioned closely by Mr. Ritchie. Mr. Robillard stated that trains were never divided there more than two or three times a year. The train never left Ottawa with the intention of dividing at that grade.
William E. H. Pearson, the conductor on the express was an excellent witness. He told a clear story and told it as briefly aa possible. He received his clearance order at Carleton Junction and gave it to his engineer. He arrived at Stittsville at 5.18 a.m.. exactly on time. He did not leave the train but saw the red light on a small platform between the main line track and the siding which runs between the main line and the station platform. That red light imposed no other duty on him than to stop and take on a passenger. The "Munn signal' was not displayed nor the semiphores down. Conductor Pearson saw operator McNish pick up the red lamp, as the train pulled out and walk towards the station. He did not speak to him and received no instructions, orders or warnigs of any kind. Conductor Pearson did not notice any cars on the aiding at Stittsville.
When the accident occurred the conductor.was in the smoking apartment; of the sleeping car and his train was going about 25 or 28 miles an hour. He felt the application of the brakes and the speed of the train diminish just as the shock came. Conductor Pearson saw: the unfortunate man Hastey in the tender of the engine of the freight train about 2 minutes after the accident. Hastey was quite conscious and was being attended to by his mates and by passengers
The conductors voice faltered and his hand trembled as he said: "I gave orders to the men to go out and protect ourselves by flagging any approaching trains. Poor Jim said 'For God's sake get me out of here and I will do the flagging'" This was all the conductor of the express could tell.
Lyman Annable. the fireman on the express had nothing new to tell. He saw the red light as their train stopped at Stittsville. He did not see his engineer, Laurendeau, speak to any one. As Laurendeau pulled the lever and started from Stittsville he remarked "All right" :
When the express was about 2 1-2 miles east of Stittsville Mr. Annable states he caught a glimpse of the headlight of the other train and shouted "Isn't that a headlight Frank." Laurendeau never answered, but shut off steam and applied the brakes. Mr. Annable then jumped and does not remember anything that happened after that.
Walter Kavanagh last night at first refused to give evidence unless his expenses were paid, but was finally persuaded to. The C.P.R. will pay his expenses. Mr. Kavanagh repeated the story he told at the former inquest how that he was in the station at Stittsville and saw a trainman come in and say to the operator "Let no trains through until we get our train made up." The operator made no answer. The operator left the office after Kavanagh had bought his ticket and went outside.
It was midnight when the inquent was adjourned until thls evening. Operator McNish will be an important witness to-night.

Ottawa Daily Citizen 21 October 1897

Cause of the collision
Mervin McNish didn't hear Hastey's order.
The statements he made before the coroner's jury last night - the conductor of the freight train said Hastey disobeyed orders.
The inquest into the death of brakeman Hastey in the recent ailway accident was continued last night before Coroner Freeland. The attendance was large as usual and the proceedings were watched closely. Of course the important witness examined last night was Mervin McNish, the operator at Stittsville on the night of the disaster. He gave his evidence in an intelligent and straightforward manner, with which the jury was favorably impressed. From this evidence it was elicited - as intimated in yesterday's Citizen - that the accident was caused by an unfortunate misunderstanding and failure to hear brakeman Hastey's order to "hold the Cannonball." The inquiry was further adjourned shortly after eleven, until Monday next, when it is expected that the evidence of McCuaig, engineer of the freight who is suffering from a broken leg, will be taken. This will be the last witness and the case will then go to the coroner's jury.
Conductor of the freight.
The first witness last night was Harry Hawes, conductor of the special freight, which left Ottawa on the morning of the accident. He stated that he received orders from the train despatcher at Ottawa to proceed to Carleton Junction, crossing an eastbound freight at Stittsville. He left Ottawa at 3.25 and crossed the "Soo" train at Britannia leaving that place at 4. 0 with 26 cars and a van. He got stuck on the upgrade at Bells Corners and cut the train, sending the front brakeman James Hastey, to Stitsville with the forward portion of the train, and Hamilton, the rear brakeman, to flag any train approaching from the rear. Witness told Hastey to take the forward portion to Stittsville and to stay and flag the Toronto Express, No. 28. Was positive of giving that order. He saw Hastey on his return and asked him if he had stopped the express. Hastey said, "I told the operator to stop her." He knew that Hastey had not complied with his orders, but supposing the operator would hold the express, signaled "go ahead." He first knew of the accident when the application of the air brakes was felt. He was in the van at the time the trains collided. He went out immediately and found McCuaig lying on the grass. McCuaig said his leg was hurt. Head Hastey call and went to his assistance. Couldn't extricate him from his position. Witness was the first to reach Hastey. He remained at the wreck about 5 minutes and went to Stittsville for assistance. He met McNish when he arrived. McNish did not know of the accident. He tried to get Ottawa by telegraph but failed, and then tried to telephone but could make no connection. He raised the day operator and after difficulty transmitted the message. He saw no signal displayed on reaching Stittsville and asked McNish if he knew what he had done. Mcnish said "no" and offered no explanation. He told McNish to set the Nunn signal and then returned to the wreck.
John R. Hamilton, rear brake man of the special freight, said at the time of the accident he went to Hastey's assistance. Hastey said, "My God, Jack, get me out." Witness told him he had to flag. When he returned Hastey was dead.
Nunn signal displayed.
Michael Quinn, express brakeman, looked out at Stittsville and saw a red light on the platform. He didn't notice the semaphores and saw someone take the lantern into the station and two passengers get on. He didn't see hastey until he was taken out dead. He went to Stittsville to flag and returned with wrecking crew.
Baggagemaster Booth said that on leaving Stittsville the Nunn the signal was not displayed, authorizing the express to go ahead.
Train dispatcher McCormick, of Ottawa, explained the mode of dispatching trains. He ordered the special to proceed from Ottawa to Carleton on the 14th. On hearing of the accident he ordered to tool cars and medical assistance and notified Mr. Robillard, the superintendent. To Mr. Curle witness said Mcnish had been employed five or six weeks and performed his work satisfactorily.
McNish examined.
The last witness was Mervin McNish, operator in charge of the station at Stittsville on the morning of the 14th. Mr. Ritchie conducted the direct examination. Witness said: I was 19 years old in November last. I began to study telegraphy for the G. T. R. agent at Iroquois, Ont., in November, 96. I was there six months leaving on June 1, and shortly afterwards came to Bellamy station on the C. P. R. as a student. I was there two weeks and then came to Stittsville. I could not take every message that came over the lines, only those transmitted at a moderate rate. I always took any message sent me and could send any delivered to me. I was not thoroughly acquainted with station work but knew the duties of a night operator. An operator's duty is to arrange signals, set semaphores, look after freight and baggage and sell tickets. I was sent to Stittsville on September 11th, remained there two weeks and was then sent to Calumet. I remained there two nights and shortly afterwards was transferred to Stittsville. I don't remember the date. I visited Grenville and return to Stittsville for the third time. I read the C. P. R. Rules at Bellamy's and refer to them when necessary. On returning for the second portion of the freight a flagman should have been left at Stittsville by C. P. R. rule 116. I went on duty on the evening of the 13th. My first orders were that two freights would cross at Stittsville.  This required me to display the Nunn signal. I received the order from Ottawa between midnight and 4 a. m. When I operated the signal I didn't notice if the lights on it moved. It was the day man's duty to light the semaphore lights. I noticed them lit during the night. As the westbound express from Ottawa entered the yard I put up the east semaphore. The "Soo" train passed at 3:57. When she passed
Expected an accident.
I put up the west board and let it down when she reached Ottawa. The next train was the special freight from Ottawa. The Nunn signal was not displayed in order that I might stop No. 28, the Toronto express. When the special freight from Ottawa entered the yard the line was clear. When I saw it come in I went out and put up the west board and could see the lights burning. A man at the switch - I supposed it was Hawes - said, "we had to cut to get in." I then knew that the train had been divided, but I didn't understand that was a portion of his train between Stittsville and Ottawa. I thought he meant the rear end of his train was on the other end of the siding; I supposed he had put that part of the train on the siding, and the remainder was at the switch. I thought the whole train was in Stittsville, and he was putting one half on each sighting. Never before heard the expression, "I had to cut to get in." I heard the instrument calling me and went into the station. Despatcher asked me up for train I wired "in",  giving the time. Two passengers were in the waiting room when I went to my instrument. Despatcher then ordered up freight to cross down freight at Ashton and cancelled the first order. It was my duty to give Hawes a duplicate of the order and get him to sign for it. When the order was copied the train had gone, I supposed to some other portion of the yard. I expected to give him the order as soon as he entered;  it was his duty to come in and book. It was my duty to pull in the Nunn signal and not stop a train having the right of way. When I received the order I displayed the signal, and when number 8 arrived I took it in. I considered it my duty having no orders for number 8 I didn't display it a second time not wanting to stop the Toronto express. When I got the order no trainman came in. A passenger bought a ticket. From the time of my speaking to the man at the switch and the passenger buying the ticket I spoke to no person; I heard no one say: "don't let any train through until mine is made up."  I went outside again before 28 arrived. I supposed the special freight was on the siding waiting for the Toronto express, and expected the man at the switch would come in after it had passed. I flagged No. 28, and thought the road to Ottawa was clear. I spoke to no person on that train. After it had passed I reported to Carleton Junction and put up the west signal. When I reported I went down to get the man to sign the order, and it then dawned upon me what had happened. I expected to hear of an accident, but could do nothing. Saw no one in the station but the passengers previous to the arrival of the express. If anyone told me to hold the train I cannot account for not hearing them. I only know I did not hear any person whatever.
The inquest was then adjourned until Monday evening at 8 o'clock.

Ottawa Journal 21 October 1897


Before the jury last night in S.M. Rogers' morgue, 36 Rldeau street, Operator McNish told his story of the C.P.R. wreck on Thursday, 14th. The young man made a most interesting statement. So clear and straight forward was it that he was complimented by the jury when he had finished.
His story in his own words was : "I am 19 years of age I began to study telegraphy at Iroquois on Nov. 23rd, 1896. The station agent of the G. T. railway there instructed me. 1 remained there for six months. I left Iroquois about the 1st of June and went home for about three weeks. I then went to Bellamy station on the C.P R. for two weeks. I left Bellamy station on the 14th of September and came te Stittsvllle. I could not take every message. It depended upon how fast the message was being sent. I always got every message that was sent me. I could send any message. I was not thoroughly acquainted with station work, but knew the duties of a night operator.
"My duties were to arrange signals, check baggage, sell tickets and at Stittsville I had to help at the unloading of the way freight. My duties at the telegraph instrument were to receive and take messages and to be in the office when the despatcher called. I was next sent to Calumet and had the same duties as I had at Stittsville. I stayed there three nights, then came back to Stittsville. I came back to Stittsville on the 13th of October.
"I saw the C.P R. book of rules at Bellamy's station and studied it. I was familiar with the rules on the G.T.R. I knew rule 116. I understood that any train brought into the yard should be guarded by the brakeman. I also knew that if the operator was told it would be his duty to assist. If the operator understood the circumstances it would be his duty to assist in protecting all trains.
"The first order I received the night of the accident was that two trains would cross at my station, This required that I should display the "Nunn" signal, a red light. I don't know just when I got this order. It was after midnight and I think before 4 a.m. I displayed my signal. That was all it was necessary for me to do. I did not look to see whether the apparatus worked or not. I did not light any lamps that night. It was the duty of the day agent to light the lamps. I put up the semiphore behind the west bound train going to Toronto about midnight. When I got the report of this train as passing Carleton Place I put down the semaphore. I pulled in the "Nnuu [sic]" signal to let No. 8 (the "Soo" express) go through to Ottawa. When the special freight from Ottawa, came in the "Nunn" signal was not displayed because I did not know when No. 28 (the express! from Toronto) would pass. I had no orders to hold her and therefore had no right to have a signal displayed.
"I was in the office and saw the freight come in. I went out and put up the west semaphore. The light was burning. One of the trainmen said to me 'We had to cut to get in' I supposed when he said this he had put part of his train on each siding because it was too large to go on one siding. I understood that he had his whole train at Stittsville.  I hsd never heard, before the expression 'I had to cut to get in.' I never knew of a cut being made to get into a siding before. I went into the station to answer a call of the despatcher on the telegraph instrument. He asked me about the up special and I reported it as being in.
The despatcher then cancelled the order and gave an order to have the two freights cross at Ashton instead of Stittsville. It was my duty to give Conductor Hawes of the special freight from Ottawa a duplicate copy of this order and get him to sign for it. I supposed Hawes was putting his train in the yard and I expected Hawes to come in to book. When he came in I would give him his new order.
"I understand that I had a right to pull in the "Nunn" signal and not stop a train that had the right of way. I pulled in the signal for No. 8, the "Soo" express, because I had no orders for No. 8. No. 8 passed the freight at Britannia. I did not display it when the freight came in, because I did not want to stop No. 28, the Toronto express, which was reported on time and was nearly due.
"Two passengers got on the Toronto express. One of them bought a ticket. I heard no one say: 'Let no trains through until I get my train made up.' I put up the west semaphore, and not the east semaphore, because I knew of no trains coming west. I went out of the station and pulled the west semaphore to let the Toronto express through. I could see cars on the siding and supposed the trainmen were waiting for the express to pass and would then come in and get their orders.
"When the express passed, I reported her to Carleton Junction. I then ran down to get Hawes to sign the order, and there found there was no train. I expected an accident would happen. I saw or heard no one come into the station, but the passengers. I am always on duty from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m."
This finished the most important evidence yet given.
Harry Hawes, the conductor of the special freight, which left Ottawa at 3.25 a. m., said he had orders to cross a special down train at Stittsville. He sent a brakeman ahead to Stittsville with part of the train.
"I told Hastey he had better stay at Stittsville and flag No. 28," said Mr. Hawes.
Mr. Ritchie - Are you sure of that?
Mr. Hawes - Yes, I have no doubt of it
When Brakeman Hastey came back on the engine, Hawes, according to his story, saw him and asked him what he had done to stop No. 28. Hastey replied: "I told the operator to hold her."
After the accident Hawes said he ran to Stitttsville to get a wrecking crew. He tried to send a message to Ottawa. The operator was there. He saw him for the first time the night before. The operator did not appear to know of the accident, and was alone in the station. When he, Hawe, told him of the accident he said nothing.
Some more unimportant evidence was given. including the statement of Mr. R. McCormick, the despatcher at Ottawa, and the inquest was then adjourned till next Monday.

Ottawa Journal 21 October 1897

Operstor McNish of Stittsville, in conversation with The Journal after the inquest last night, said: "I tell youI am glad to have that story of mine told." The young man was quite nervous.

Almonte Gazette 22 October 1897

By the Railway Accident at Stittsville Last Week - Particulars of the Unfortunate Affair - Heart-rending scenes - The Inquest.

In last week's Gazette we were able to give but an outline of the terrible accident that took place on the C.P.R. at Hazeldean, close to the crossing three miles from Stittsville, last Thursday about 5 o'clock a.m. The following particulars will be read with interest: the express from Toronto, known as the "Cannonball," collided with a freight train coming from Ottawa. Both were on a downgrade, both were running at a high rate of speed, and the crash was terrific, though the results as to the number killed and injured is surprisingly small. There are four deaths to record, viz:
Frank Larondeau, Ottawa engineer of the express, found dead under the debris.
Robert Peden, mail clerk, Ottawa.
James Hastey, Carleton Place front brakeman on freight train.
R. Kearney, Cantley, Quebec.
The injured are: Alex. McCuaig, of Carleton Place, engineer of the freight train, leg broken; H. Kavanagh, fireman, also of Carleton place, scratched and bruised; and P. J. Fleming, of Cantley, Que., who was with Kearney, badly crushed; mail clerk Birchall, internal injuries.
The accident occurred about 5:25. It was very foggy, and engineer McQuaig, of the freight train, says he could not see a yard ahead. The two trains were running at full speed. The place where the accident happened is just west of the Hazeldean crossing, in a swamp, at a point where both trains would be running downgrade. The freight train was a long one and had been divided into two parts at Bell's Corners in order to run up the heavy grade between that place and Stittsville. The first half had been taken as far as Stittsville, and orders were left there for the express to wait at Stittsville till the freight came up with the second section. It is said that brakeman Hastey put up the signals in order to stop any train from the west.
The Toronto train was sharp on time, stopped at Stittsville for a passenger and then went on again to its destruction. The two trains met with a crash that was heard a mile away. The two engines met at the united speed of about ninety miles an hour. As they struck they reared up on end, the hind drivers meeting. Both locomotives then toppled over on the south side of the track and became a tangled mass of iron. Four freight cars, three of them empty cattle cars, were driven on past the engines and piled in a heep on the north side of the track. Two of these cars are broken into kindling wood. The other two can be repaired. Three others were derailed.
On the rear of the passenger train the shock was scarcely felt. The mail car, in which were Peden and Birchall, was badly broken up, as was also the baggage car, but the other cars were scarcely injured and none of them left the track.
Engineer Alex. McCuaig, with the locomotive No. 283, and his fireman, Henry Cavanagh, heard the express coming thundering down upon them just as they rounded the curve. The driver reversed his engine and put on the steam brake. Then both men jumped for their lives. McCuaig came off with his right leg broken near the ankle. Cavanagh was more fortunate, sustaining only a few bruises and a cut over one of his eyes.
The engineer of the express evidently did not see the approaching freight in time to jump clear. His fireman, Lyman Anable, jumped, and escaped with a few slight cuts and bruises. Anable says he jumped from the engineer's side of the cab and the engineer from his side. The place where Larondeau's body was found, among the wreckage on the north side of the track, verifies his statement. F. Birchall was also in the mail coach with Robert Peden, in the express compartment, and had miraculous escapes.
When the search for the bodies began Peden was found under the debris of the engine and the baggage car. brakeman Hastey was not dead when found pinned in the tank of tender 283. He was standing in the water and almost stiff with cold. He suffered for some hours, but was able to talk and told how that he was crossing the tender to the freight to put on the brakes when the crash came and he was caught in the wreck. Great difficulty was found in releasing him, and the poor fellow died just a few minutes before he was got out. He was badly crushed and one leg was broken.
It is thought that Kearney had been stealing a ride, and when found was dead. His body was lying among the debris of the freight cars.
The body of Larondeau was not discovered until late in the afternoon. He probably jumped almost as the engines met, for his body was found among the broken freight cars on the north side of the track, almost opposite the wreck of the locomotives. When found the body was doubled up, with the hands up to the head, and the clothes were partly torn off. P. J. Fleming, who was stealing a ride with Kearney on the freight train, escaped with a few scalp wounds. His injuries are not serious and he will probably soon recover. He is at the Ottawa General hospital, where he was conveyed with McCuaig and the other injured ones as soon as the Ottawa wrecking party reached the scene
The wrecking crews from Carleton Place and Ottawa were early on the spot, Messrs. C.W. Spencer, General superintendent, and Robillard, District superintendent, being with the latter, and Messers. J.B. Elliot, master mechanic, and G.T. Fulton with the former, and the work of rescuing the wounded and clearing the tracks began. Doctors were also sent for. Dr. Richardson came from Hazeldean, Dr. Shannonhouse and Dr. Derby, from Richmond, and Dr. Preston, from Carleton place. The Ottawa relief party also brought a couple of surgeons. They gave valuable assistance in taking care of the wounded . The farmers in the neighborhood gave all the assistance they could to the injured.
The telegraph lines of both the G.N.W. and C.P.R. Companies run along this line, and were broken down by the wreck being thrown against the poles.
As a consequence of the accident the Brockville train was held at Carleton Place, and the Pembroke local took on her passengers and mails and passed through to Stittsville. Quite a large party went down by this train to see the wreck, and arrived at Stittsville just after the wrecking engine had brought in the passenger coaches and the wrecked baggage-car. Most of the visitors walked down the ties from Stittsville, about three miles, and on reaching the wreck found a huge mess of broken timber, car-wheels, old iron, baggage, mail bags and express sundries scattered about, whilst the wreckers were at work clearing away the debaris in perfect order and with great alertness. Mr. Benoit, photographer had his instrument along, and took three very good views. Mr. Pittaway, of Ottawa, was also on the scene and took some snapshots, whilst a number of amateurs had their Kodaks in their hands.
The freight train was a special in charge of conductor Haws, with Brakesman Jno. Hamilton and James Hastey. It was hauled by engine No. 283, Alexander McCuaig, driver, and Harry Cavanagh, fireman. The passenger train was in charge of conductor Wm. Pearson, Brakeman Quinn, hauled by engine No. 242, driver F. Larondeau, fireman Lyman Anable. Messrs. Robt. Peden and T.S. Birchall were in the mail car, J.C. Hewton in the express and Walter Booth in the baggage. The last three had a miraculous escape.
So great was the force of the collision that the locomotives were completely demolished, the mail car was driven on to the tender of the locomotive and the baggage-car was telescoped by the express. Strange as it may seem the track was but little injured and the trackmen had the rails replaced and the track ready by the time the wreckage was removed, about 1 o'clock.
The telegraph lines were also broken and these were repaired temporarily and dispatches were wired direct from the spot by operators sent out. Some press reports were sent in this way.
The Pembroke local passed the wreck about 1:45 and the Winnipeg express came through about an hour behind time. The noon train for Toronto and Brockville went out from Ottawa by Kemptville to Smith's Falls, and a special was sent out from here to make connections. All the later trains passed through on time.
Mr. J.A. Smart, the deputy minister of the interior, who was in a sleeper, gave the following account.
"The shock woke me up, and I did not know at first what had happened. There was a sort of rumbling noise, as if the Pullman were rolling over the ties. I jumped out of my berth, rushed in my night dress to what I thought was the front of the car, but came out upon the back platform. I could see no cars behind, and therefore concluded that our Pullman had been cut adrift from the other cars. In a moment, however, I realized the truth of the situation - there had been a collision. I then looked about and saw one of the worst wrecks I have ever looked upon. Both engines, piled up on one side of the track, were a shapeless mass. All the freight cars were likewise. Everything mixed up; all confusion.
Fleming, one of those hurt, was pinned under a pile of debris, and was crying out most pitifully. People told me they could hear his yells a mile away. We then found Hastey, the brakesman of the freight train, pinned down under the tender of one of the engines. I approached and asked him if he was badly hurt. He told me "Yes,"  that he felt very sore. Rondeau, our engineer could not be found he was likely pinned down by his engine. Up to the time I left the scene his body had not been taken from under the wreck. We administered stimulants to those whom we saw injured, and helped to ease their pain as best we could.
Fleming, the tramp, ceased his cries for a time, but shortly afterwards resumed them. He was next pulled out of the wreck, and was all covered with water, dirt and blood."
"What with the crying of the tramp, the groans of the injured, the appearance of the wrecked cars, the inextricable confusion of the whole affair, the site presented was terrible."
Mr. James G. Warnock, of Ottawa, another passenger, speaking of the scene when he left the cars, said:
"Looking upon the wreck before me I could not, for a moment, imagine where I was. I could see nothing of either engine. There was not enough left of them to make a pot. Cars were piled up on all sides and the cries of sufferers could be heard for miles. I never listened to such cries as those made by a poor tramp who was covered up in the wreck. We could hear his shrieks above everything else. Every effort was made to release him. We thought at first that he was one of the train hands. We feared that in a moment fire would break out and that great loss of life would result. I think the water from the tenders and the steam from the boilers, which had exploded, must have stopped any fire that might have started. I never saw a sadder sight in my life than the brakeman on the freight train as he lay under the tender. He was nearly buried in the water and weeds. He was very cold but we could not help him out. He lay there moaning and trying to keep his head above water."
Mr. J. C. Hewton and Mr. Walter Booth, baggagemen, had wonderful escapes. Mr. Hewton was in the car with Mr. Peden, but in the baggage compartment, where there was a large quantity of fruit. His story is brief and pithy.
There is not much to tell, " he said," it was all over in an instant. I was thrown toward the top of the car, and immediately the top of the car broke open and I climbed through. After waiting about five minutes until I could collect myself, I climbed down. It was pitch dark, and the fog was covering everything. Peden was lying in the ditch beside the broken baggage car. He did not seem to be much injured, but was covered with coal dust all over, and the mud was also spotted over him."
Mr. Booths escape was equally singular. He also was thrown completely through the side of the baggage car. How it happened is beyond him, but it seemed as if something ripped open the car and that he was projected through the rift.
Was held at Ottawa the same evening by Coroner Freeland. It was decided to confine the inquiry to the death of James Hastey, who was killed on the front part of the freight train.
Mr. W.J. White, press agent of the Department of the Interior, was first examined. He was on the train having boarded it in Toronto. He was in his berth at the time the accident occurred. As soon as it happened he arose and went to the rear end of the coach. It was so foggy that it was difficult for him to see any distance. He heard the screaming of those ahead and he put on his clothes and went forward. There was nothing that he noticed then except that they had been a smash up.
He saw two men carried into the first class car. These were all he saw, except a portion of a man underneath a freight car. Further he stated that the lamp in the baggage-car was still burning. He asked one of the injured men if he was hurt, but he seemed so badly shook up that he gave a very incoherent answer.
Mr. Joseph P. Rogers was on the train. He testified that as soon as the accident happened he jumped from his berth, went forward, but could only see a cloud of vapor. On going forward further he saw a man injured. He went over the debris and heard a man crying out for help. One of the engines was on the right hand side of the track coming east. Both might have been there; he didn't take particular notice.
Dr. Scott said he had examined the body of deceased. Death was due to shock and injuries received. There were several burns on his right leg, which was broken a little above the knee. The left foot was burned, and there was a deep cut over the right temple. He went to the wreck from the city with Mr. Spencer, and when he first saw Hastey he was alive. The tender was turned on its side. He was in it, and part of the boiler was holding him down. Hastey said he was suffering very much. It was very difficult to get at him. One of the train hands had gotten where he was and was carrying out directions. Everything was done that could be done to get him out. It took quite a while because they had to go gently about it for fear of some of the wreck falling on him. He was dead when taken out, having died in there about five minutes before being extricated. They placed his body on a train and brought it to Ottawa, arriving here about half past eleven.
John Mindler, Detroit, Mich., was on the train. He felt a shock and heard a man shout: "Great Scott, Vot am going to happen?"  He went forward immediately with another man, and heard a man shout for help. He seemed to be in the midst of the gushing steam. Witness started to climb up the side of the wreck to give some assistance but slipped down twice. When the steam cleared away some he saw the man in the tender by looking through the manhole he was all covered over with dirt. One of the trainmen managed to get through the manhole to his assistance.
Henry Forbes, of Goulburn, boarded the express train at Stittsville at about twenty-five minutes past five o'clock. He saw a man in the office, and afterwards walking up and down the platform. The train, he thought, arrived at Stittsville on time. He could not say at what rate of speed it was going when the accident happened. The shock caused him to bump back against his seat. He saw Hastey pinioned in the tender sometime after the collision. The man was alive for he heard him shout "Jim." While he was in Stittsville a train came from Ottawa, and he thought it drew into the siding and was blowing and shunting. He went away to unharness a horse and returned about ten minutes afterwards. He could not say positively whether this train went on or returned, nor whether it left any cars on the siding.
Walter Kavanagh was at the Stittsville station about twenty-five minutes to five. A train came from Ottawa and went back again. A man got off the train and went into the station. He heard him say, "Let no trains pass through until I get my train made up." the man seem to be in a hurry. The operator was in the office. Witness could not say whether the operator made any reply. When the Toronto train arrived he saw the agent walking up and down the station platform. After the collision happened he saw deceased pinioned in the tender. He heard him say: "Send for two engines and draw the cars away." Witness could not say that he would know the man again who spoke to the operator if he saw him again.
After hearing Mr. Kavanaugh the jury, by agreement adjourned until Tuesday evening.
The operator at Stittsville, who seems to be in some way responsible, is a young man named Myron McNish, about 19 years of age. He is held in custody pending the result of the inquest and feels his position keenly. The public are asked to withhold censure until the facts are known.
Engineer Larondeau resided at Ottawa. He was a married man and leaves a widow and three children. He was greatly esteemed by his fellow railway-men and his death is deeply regretted.
James Kearney, a single man, was on his way to Duluth, Minn. He hailed from Cantley, Que., where his parents reside. Until Wednesday night he boarded at the Dominion House, Ottawa, and when he was leaving he informed Mr. Whalen that he intended to go to Duluth. He probably induced P.J. Fleming, who also hails from Cantley, to accompany him. Both had been out of work for some time.
Mail clerk Peden had been a resident of Ottawa for years and was widely known and respected. His shocking death was learned with pain by hundreds. Deceased was 49 years of age and had been a mail clerk since 1871. An enthusiastic sportsman, he gave his support to all athletic games. Fifteen years ago he joined the Triple Link Order, and was a Past Grand of Ottawa Lodge, No. 224. He leaves a widow and two children, a brother, Mr. A.G. Peden of the C.A.R., and a sister, Mrs. W.R. Bain, of Brockville.
James Hastey, the brakesman, belonged to Carleton Place. His remains were embalmed and brought home on Friday, and the funeral took place on Saturday afternoon. It was very largely attended, the sympathy of the whole community going out to the young widow in her sore bereavement. The floral tributes were exceedingly handsome, including a floral pillow and a semi-circle representing a broken brake from the Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen. The services were conducted by Rev. Mr. Woodside, of St. Andrews. The pallbearers were Messrs. Alex. Smith, Harry Dunham, John Pullen, Thos. Willoughby, Ed. Parks and Harry Haws. The internment took place at Cram's cemetery. He carried an insurance of $1,200 in the B.R.T.
We doubt if ever an accident on the road caused as much excitement in Carleton Place as did this one.
Mr. Alex. McCuaig was brought home on the Winnipeg express the same afternoon, and is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances.

Ottawa Daily Citizen 26 October 1897

Inquest adjourned.
The inquest into the death of the late Robert Hasteywill probably be finished Wednesday evening. The jury in the case met last night, and adjourned after Coroner Freeland had read a communication from the physician attending McCuaig, the injured engineer, stating that the injured man would be able to come down and give his evidence Wednesday evening. It was also decided to summon the day operator at Stittsville.

THE C. P. R. INQUEST.
 An Inquest was not held last night on the body of James Hastey, one of the victims of the C. P. R. disaster at Stittsvllle. The Jury met at S.M. Rcigers morgue, 36 Rldeau street and were dismissed until Wednesday evening. Engineer McCuaig. of Carleton Place, will be on hand to give evidence on Wednesday of this week.
The witnesses who will be examined then will be Superintendent Robillard, of the C.P.R.; Station Agent Russell, of Stittsvllle; J. Fleming, one of the sufferers now in the hospital; the chief train despatcher at Ottawa and Engineer McCuaig.

Ottawa Journal 26 October 1897

An inquest was not held last night on the body of James Hastey, one of the victims of the C.P.R. disaster at Stittsvllle. The Jury met at S.M. Rogers morgue, 36 Rideau street and were dismissed until Wednesday evening. Engineer McCuaig. of Carleton Place, will be on hand to give evidence on Wednesday of this week.
The witnesses who will be examined then will be Superintendent Robillard, of the C.P.R.; Station Agent Russell, of Stittsvllle; J. Fleming, one of the sufferers now in the hospital; the chief train despatcher at Ottawa and Engineer McCuaig.

Ottawa Journal 27 October 1897

The inquest into the death cf the men killed in the C.P.R. collision at Stittsville, set for this evening, will meet to-night and adjourn for ten days. The doctor attending Alex McCuig who is at his home in Carleton Place, suffering from a broken leg, and is wanted as a witness, has sent word that his patient will not be able to come to Ottawa till the end of next week.

Ottawa Daily Citizen 28 October 1897

Operator McNish was recalled and repeated some of his evidence given at the previous meeting. Owing to the injuries received by engineer McCuaig being more serious than was at first anticipated, he was unable to be present last night as expected, and the inquest was further adorned until Tuesday evening next, when it is expected the injured man will be present.
John Russell, station agent at Stittsville and day operator, stated that on the night of the 13th McNish relieved him about seven o'clock. Witness gave him no instructions, as he considered him competent to discharge his duties. Witness was called about six o'clock to send a message from conductor Hawes to Ottawa. After some difficulty a circuit was established and the message transmitted. It was the Brakeman's duty to stay at Stittsville and flag the express.
Frederick M Spaidel, chief train dispatcher at Ottawa, was called and explained the mode of train despatching. He had examined operator McNish as to his knowledge of telegraphy and the rules of the road and found him competent to perform all the duties of a night operator.
Then Mervin McNish was recalled and repeated some of his previous testimony, and the inquest adjourned until Tuesday next (2/11) at 8 p.m.

Ottawa Daily Citizen 28 October 1897

INQUEST CONTINUED.
John Russell Gives Evidence on the Duties of s Brakeman
The inquest touching the death of the late James hastey, brakeman in the recent C. P. R, accident, was again resumed at Rogers' morgue, Rideau street last night. To new witnesses were examined. but nothing ol importance wss elicited from their evidence. Operator McNish was recalled and repeated some of his evidence given at the previous meeting. Owing to the injuries received, by Engineet McCuaig being more serious than was at first anticipated he waa unable to be present last night as expected and the inquest was further adjourned until Tuesday evening next. when it is expected the injured man will be present.
John Russell, station agent at Stittsville and day operator, stated that on the nigbt of the 13th McNish relieved him about seven, o'clock. Witness gave him no instructions, as he considered him competent to discharge his duties. Witness was called about six o'clock to send a message from Conductor Hawes to Ottawa. After some difficulty a circuit was established and the message transmitted. It was tbe brakeman's duty to stay at Stittsville and flag the express..
Frederick M. Spaidal. chief train despatcher at Ottawa, was called and explained the mode of train despatching. He had examined Operator McNish as to his knowledge of telegraphy and the rules of the road and found him competent to perform all the duties of a night operator.
Then Mervin McNish was recalled and repeated some of his previous testimony, and the inquest adjurned until Tuesday next at 8 p.m.

Ottawa Journal 28 October 1897

Station Agent Russell Gives Evidence at the C.P.R. Inquest .

At the resumed inquest into the cause of the death of Brakeman James Hastey In the Stittsville C.P.R. wreck. Station Agent John Russell last night stated that he considered Night Operator M. McNish a competent man.
Mr. Russell further stated that it was the duty of the flagman to remain with the first half of the train when it was taken into Stittsvllle.
F.M. Spaidal, chief despatcher of the C.P.R., stated that he had examined young McNsh and was certain that he was a competent man.
The inquest will be resumed next Tuesday evening, when Engineer Mc.Cuaig, of the freight will be called upon to give. evidence.

Ottawa Journal 3 November 1897


Engineer Alex. McCuaig and Conductor Harry Hawes, of the freight train, which collided with the Toronto expreaa on the morning of Thursday Oct.14th. must stand their trial for manslaughter.
The coroner's jury last night brought in a verdict accusing both men of criminal negligence. Engineer McCuaig was Immediately, placed under arrest. The arrest of Conductor Hawes was expected to be made to-day.
Engineer McCuaig was able to be brought to the city yesterday, and last night he told his story of the wreck before the jury in S.M. Rogers' morgue, Rldeau street. He said:
Engineer McCuaig's Story.
"I left Ottawa to run a special train to Carleton Junction. I crossed the "Soo" special coming east at Britannia. I left Britannia about 4.09 a.m. I intended to cross the Toronto express coming east at Stirrsvllle. Our train stuck at Bell's Corners' grade, and we had to cut our train. James Hastey went back to uncouple the rear cars, I did not give him orders to do so. I got a signal to go ahead and knew I had time to reach Stittsville before the Toronto express was due. I placed the cars in the switch at Stittsvllle. Hastey uncoupled my engine from the cars. I pulled out and backed up a couple of car lengths on the main line.
"Hastey went into the station. When he came out I asked him if he was going to stop here. He saild no, as he had told the operator not to let any trains through till we got back, and that the operator said he would not let any through. I was in my seat in the engine. Hastey got on the engine. He told me he had put up the semaphores, and that everything was all right. He was on the top of the cars when we came into the yard at Stittsville.
"The next time I saw him he waa going into the station. I did not see him set the semaphore. When he said everything was all right, I thought it was, and backed down to the other part of our train.
'1 have a good idea of the rules. I think I compiled with rule 116 when I left a flagman at the station in Stittsvllle. The operator was the flagman. I did not see the operator myself. I did not send the brakeman to tell him. I relied on what Brakeman Hatey told me. I do not understand this rule to mean that some one connected with my own train must be left. As long aa an employee of the company is left with proper signals the rule is compiled with.
"I knew I could not get back to Stittsvllle again before the Toronto express was due. I did not see the conductor or rear brakeman before starting back to Stittsvllle with the rest of my train. I got a signal to go and I atarted.  When I saw the headlight of the Toronto express I said 'Jump.", I put on the brake, reversed my lever and jumped. I got my leg broken in the jump.
"Brakeman Hastey when he came out of the station told me he had put up both semaphores.  I saw the east semaphore up as I backed out. I saw the operator at Stittsville at 12 o'clock that night when I was passing down."
To a juryman - "It was not Hastey's duty to remain when the operator waa left as flagman. The rule does not say brakemen, but flagman. Anybody left to flag a train is a flagman  The eastern semaphore was showing a red light before I left the station. I saw it. I am in charge of the crew to a oertaln extent. If I had told Hastey to stay he would have had to stay."
The jury retired and did not arrive at a verdict until 3.30 this morning. Some of the jurymen wanted to include Operator McNish as one of those responsible for the accident
The Verdict
The verdict as brought in by the jury read :
"That on October 14. 1897, a freight traln consisting of engine, tender and 26 empty cars, with engineer, fireman and two brakemen in charge of Conductor Harry Hawes, did leave Ottawa for Carleton Junction. They got stuck on a grade known as Bell's Corner's grade and had to cut their train to proceed to Stittsville and having placed front portion of train in  the siding at Stittsvtlle, Engineer Alex. McCuaig did not leave or order a flagman to protect himself while returning for the detached portion of the train. On his return to the grade when Conductor Harry Hawes found he had not complied with rule 116 he (Hawes) should have complied with rule 43, as he knew that express was due and had right of way. By these omissions the latter part of special freight, when going, towards Stittsvllle, collided with Toronto express No. 28. and in which collision the said James Hastey received wounds from which he then and there died, and we, the jurors, declare that Alex. McCuaig and Harry Hawes by these omissions did feloniously kill and slay the said James Hastey."
Engineer McCuaig waa interviewed by a Journal reporter after the verdict was announced. He was not surprised he said at the verdict. He believed by the way the jury were questionlng him they would bring in a verdict somewhat similar to the one they did render.
Mr. McCuaig was not troubled in the least at the verdict. He said: "I have told my story and it is true. I did not take any other meaning out of rule 116. regarding the leaving of a flagman. I cannot say or do anything more than I have already said and done." Further than this Mr. McCuaig did not care to speak. He is perfectly satisfied to let the law take its course.
Mr. McCuaig is a married man. Hia wife and one child are living in Carleton Place where they are all highly respected. He is 33 years of age and has been in the service of the C.P.R. for about 14 years. He has been an engineer for about 10 years. During the last seven or eight years he has resided in Carleton Place.
During his service with the C.P.R. his run has been between Ottawa and Chalk River. Mr. McCuaig had never had an accident of any kind and was always considered a careful and competent man. He is a general favorite among his friends and is a fine physical. specimen of a man.
Conductor Harry Hawes the other indicted employee, of the C.P.R is about the same age as Engineer Mc Cuaig. He has been in the servlce of the C.P.R. for about 10 years and has never been in an accident previous to the present one. He is a married man and his wife and family live in Carleton Place.
This morning Engineer McCuaig appeared before coroner Freeland and gave bail of $500 himself. Mr. J.M, Dudley, of Hintonburgh. and A.J. Barr, 161 Cambridge street, brother engineers, also gave bail of $250 each for Mr. McCuaig's appearance before a magistrate when called.
Constable McLoughlin went to Carleton Place this morning to arrest conductor Hawes and bring him to Ottawa. He will arrive this evening.
Both men will be summoned before county Magistrate Smith as soon as possible, and a few of the most important witnesses will be called to again give evidence.

Ottawa Daily Citizen 3 November 1897

Two of them indicted.
Manslaughter found in the C. P. R. Inquest.
Conductor Hawse and Engineer McCuaig of the Special Freight found guilty of willful carelessness - jury out several hours.
The adjourned inquest into the C. P. R. Railway disaster, in which James Hastey, Frank Larondeau, James Kennedy and Robert Peden lost their lives, was continued last night, and after hearing the evidence of engineer McCuaig, the case was given to the jury at 9.30.
At 3:30 this morning the jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against conductor Harry Hawes and engineer Alex. McCuaig of the special freight, for not having complied with the rules of the railway as regards the flagging of approaching trains.
The lengthy sitting of the jury was owing to some of the jurymen thinking that operator McNish was equally culpable with conductor Hawes and engineer McCuaig. The jurymen found conductor Hawes blamable for not having sent a flagman ahead when he found the engineer McCuaig had failed to station one at Stittsville, and that engineer McCuaig should have compelled Hastey to remain at Stittsville.
Coroner Freeland issued warrants for the arrest of hawes and McCuaig at the close of the inquest.
McCuaig's Evidence.
Alexander McCuaig, who was the engineer on the special freight leaving Ottawa on the morning of the accident and which collided with the Toronto Express, was the only witness last night. He stated that he left Ottawa at 3.25 a. m., with orders to proceed to Carleton Junction, crossing a special down freight at Stittsville. The freight crossed the "Soo" train at Britannia, and went on to the Bells Corners grade, where it stuck. It was necessary to cut the train there, and witnesse took the forward portion to Stittsville. Hastey, the deceased brakeman, went to Stittsville with witness. They backed on a siding, and uncoupled the engine from the cars. Hastey went into the station, and came out and got on the engine. Witness asked him if they were to stop at Stitsville. Hastey said: "No; I have told the operator not to let any train through until we get back." Witness was on his seat in the engine when Hastey told him. Hastey got on the engine, saying he had put up the semaphores, and everything was all right. They then back to down to the other portion of the train.
Witness thought he had complied with rule 16 when he had left a flag man. Operator McNish was the flagman. Witness relied on what the brakeman had told him. He understood that as long as he left an employee of the road to flag he had complied with the regulations.
On reaching the rear section they connected with it, and started toward Stittsville. When witness noticed the headlight of the express they were about eight or ten lengths apart. He applied the brakes, reversed, and jumped. He broke his leg when he struck the ground, and laid there for some time, and then crawled back to the van.
To a juror, witness said that the red light of the east semaphore was showing when he returned from Stittsville to the rear section of his train at Bells Corners.

Ottawa Citizen 4 November 1897


Alexander McCuaig, who was found guilty of carelessness by the Coroner's Jury in the C.P.R. inquest, was arraigned before Coroner Freeland yesterday morning and admitted to bail in the sum of $1,000. The accused furnished $500 himself, and J. Dudley, of Hintonburgh, and A.J. Barr, Cambridge street, $250 each. Constable McLaughlin left for Carleton Place last evening for conductor Harry Hawes who was also found guilty of carelessness.
It is expected that the preliminary examination before County Police Magistrate Smith will take place in a few days.
The verdict rendered by the coroner's jury in the C.P.R. inquest yesterday morning was as follows:
"We find that on October 14th, 1897, a freight train consisting of an engine, tender and 26 empty stock cars, with engineer, fireman and two brakeman, in charge of conductor Hawes, left Ottawa. They got stuck on a grade known as Bell's Corners grade and had to cut the train to proceed to Stittsville, and having placed the front portion of their train on the siding, engineer McCuaig did not leave proper orders or a flagman to protect himself while returning for the detached portion of the train. On his return to the grade conductor Hawes, when he found that McCuaig had not complied with rule 116 of the C.P.R., should have complied with rule 43, as he knew that the express was due and had the right of way. By these omissions the latter part of the train, when going towards Stittsville, collided with the Toronto express, No. 28,  and in the collision the said James Hastey received wounds from which he then and there died.
"And we, the jurors aforesaid, declare that Alexander McCuaig and Harry Hawes, by these omissions, did felonously kill and slay the said James Hastey.
Signed:  C.A. Larose (foreman), W. J. Keenahan, Frank Kehoe, Frank Montgomery, Lewis T. Rochon, Joseph Boyden, W. Brown, S. Mahoney, A. Whelan, Geo. Low, H. Merritt, John H. Parnell, W.A. Davis, J. Buchanan, P.H. Chabot.

Ottawa Journal Thursday 4 November 1897


Constable Waller went to Carleton Place yesterday to arrest Harry Hawes, conductor on the freight train in the collision on the C. P. R. at Stittsville last month, on the charge of manslaughter, according to the indictment of the jury in the coroner's inquest. He was brought to the city this morning and arraigned before Coroner Dr. Freeland, who released him on bail. Bail was accepted for himself for $500: and for $250 each from Wm. Flegg, 603 Maclaren street, and Albert T. Chapman, 70 Maple street conductors.
Harry Hawes and Engineer Alex. McCuaig, who was indicted with him, will appear on Monday afternoon at two o'clock before Magistrate Smith. The ball granted by Coroner Freeland will be renewed, and the men remanded until the following Friday, when the trial will be proceeded with.  Conductor Hawes will he represented by G. F. Henderson and Engineer McCuaig by F. R. Latchford.

Ottawa Citizen Friday 5 November 1897

HAWES ARRESTED.
Harry Hawes, conductor of the special freight train in the C.P.R. collision at Stittsville, was arrested at Carleton Place by Constable Waller and brought to the city yesterday morning. He was arraigned before Coroner Freeland and released on bail, himself at $500 and $250 each from William Flegg  and Albert G. Chapman, C.P.R. conductors. Hawes and McCuaig will be arraigned before Magistrate Smith on Monday and it is expected an adjournment will be made until Friday, when the case will be proceeded with.

Ottawa Journal 8 November 1897


Alex. McCuaig and Henry Hawes, of Carleton Place, the engineer and conductor accused of having caused the death of James Hastey, at the C.P.R. wreck at Stistaville, on the morning of October 14th, 1897, appeared before County Magistrate Smith, this morning.
The defence were not ready to proceed, and the case was remanded until Friday, at 10 a.m.
Bail was accepted from each of the prisoners in $1,000 each. Besides this, Mr. A.J. Barr and John M. Dudley, engineers on the C.P.R., went bail for McCuaig to the extent of $500 each. Wm. Anderson and Wm. Flagg, conductors on the C.P.R., each gave $500 bail, for the appearance of Conductor Hawes.

Ottawa Citizen Tuesday 9 November 1897

RAILWAY MEN ARRAIGNED
Before County Court Police Magistrate Smith yesterday Conductor Hawes and Engineer McCuaig were arraigned, charged with manslaughter, in connection with the recent C.P.R. collision near Stittsville. County Crown Attorney Ritchie appeared for the prosecution, Mr. F.R. Latchford for Conductor Hawes, and Mr. H. McGiverin for Engineer McCuaig. On motion of Mr. Ritchie, the case was enlarged until Friday, bail being renewed.

Ottawa Citizen Friday 12 November 1897

THE C.P.R. FATALITY
The preliminary examination of Engineer McCuaig and Conductor Hawes re. the C.P.R. accident, will be commenced before County Court Police magistrate Smith this morning at 10 o'clock. Mr. Ritchie will appear for the prosecution amd Messrs Latchford and McGiverin for the defence.

Ottawa Journal 12 November 1897


The trial of Alex. McCuaig and Harry Hawes, charged wtth being responsible for the death of James Hastey at the C.P.R. collision at Stittsvllle on Oct. 14th, is in progress to-day before County Magistrate Smith.
The trial from all appearances promises to be long and very thorough. The evidence taken this morning was largely the same as that given before the coroner's jury. What new evidence was taken tended to implicate Operator McNish.
The county crown attorney says that during this investigation an honest effort will be made to find out who is retponslble and if the evidence shows that some employee of the C.P.R., other than the men accused, are responsible a new charge will be laid and arrests follow.
Mr. Geo F. Henderson appears for Alex. McCuaig, the engineer of the freight, and F.R. Latchford appears for Conductor Harry Hawes of the freight. County Crown Attorney J. A. Ritchie has the case of the Crown.
A dispute arose at the opening of the trial between the counsel for the defence and for the prosecution. The counsel for the defence argued that all evidence taken before the coroner should be submitted as evidence before the magistrate. This the Crown prosecutor refused to do, stating that he would call only such witnesses as would tend to prove the charge laid by the Crown. The defence will be at liberty to call any witnesses they desire.
A discussion also took place as to the jurisdiction of the magistrate in the case.
Magistrate Smith decided that it was within his jurisdiction to dispose ot the case as the evidence adduced would dictate.
Lyman Annable. the fireman of the Toronto express on the morning of the 14th of October, was the first witness. To Mr. Ritchie be gave the same evidence he gave before the coroner's jury.
Being cross-examined by Mr. Geo. F. Henderson, Mr. Annable said the semaphores were not raised against the express train. It was the duty of the operator to examine all switches in the station yard, 5 minutes before the train was due. If the operator had done that he would have been able to see whether there was any train on the siding or not. In cases of emergency it was the duty of the operator or agent to act as flagman. .
Conductor Wm. Pearson, of the Toronto express, was next called. The major portion of his evidence was not new. He admitted to Mr. Latchford that a rule ot the C.P.R. said that "An agent is not to report a train in until the conductor has booked on the train register." If the agent does report a train in without having the conductor register, he is breaking the rules.
To Mr. Henderson Mr. Pearson stated that the moment an operator received an order for two trains to cross at his station, it was his duty to set the Nunn signal and leave it set until the trains had crossed or the order had been cancelled.
It was also necessary for some brakeman to go to the rear of the train when it stuck on the grade. The conductor, according to the rules, must remain in his van, and the 2nd brake man would have to go to Stittsvllle to assist in putting in the detached portion of the train. It was necesnary for some one to couple the cars when the remainder of the freight was to be brought up.
Mr. Henderson - Now, Mr. Pearson, whose duty was it to couple those cars when Engineer McCuaig went back after the remainder of his train.
Mr. Pearson could not answer, from the fact that Conductor Hawes had to remain in the van of his freight train, and the other brakeman was back flagging any train which might be approaching from the rear. The only way, in the opinion of Mr. Pearson, to get the cars coupled was for Brakeman Hastey to come back on the light engine from Stittsville and couple the cars. A flagman, Mr. Pearson stated, had been left at Stittsville in the person of the operator. Any official of the road left in charge would he said, be a flagman.
Dr. J.O. Scott, Ottawa, and Dr. G. C. Richardson, of Hazeldean. were called and confirmed the evidence they gave before the coroner's jury.
At this point an adjournment for dinner was made.
At 3 o'clock the trial was adjourned till to-morrow.

Ottawa Citizen 13 November 1897


The preliminary examionation of Engineer Alexander McCuaig and Conductir Hawes indicted by the coroner's jury as being responsible for the recent railway disaster at Stittsville in which James Hastey and others lost their lives was commenced in County Police Court yesterday morning before Magistrate Smith. Some new evidence was given tending  to implicate another employee of the company, and it is not unlikely that a new charge will be laid.
Mr. J.A. Ritchie, County Crown Attorney, assisted by Mr. Owen Ritchie, is conducting the prosecution. Mr. G.F. Henderson is representing Alex. McCuaig and Mr. T.R. Latchford appears for Conductor Hawes.
At the commencement of the trial yesterday there was a dispute between counsel as to the amount of evidence to be adduced. The defence wanted all the evidence given before the coroners' jury, while Mr. Ritchie proposed to call only such witnesses as would be necessary to substantiate the Crown's case. It was finally decided that the defence could call any witnesses it considered necessary.
Lyman Annable, fireman on the Toronto express, on being called by the prosecution repeated his evidence before the coroner's jury. On cross examination, the witness said that the semaphores were not raised against the express. It was the duty of the operator to examine all switches in the yards five minutes before the train was due, and had he done that he could have seen whether a train was on the siding or not.
In his direct examination Conductor Pearson gave the same evidence as before the jury. Cross-examined by Mr. Henderson, Mr. Pearson stated that when an operator received an order for the crossing of trains at his station, it was his duty to set the Nunn signal and leave it set until the trains had crossed or the order had been cancelled. On returning for the remainder of the train the only way to get the cars coupled was to bring Hastey back from Stittsville, as the conductor had to remain in the van and the other brakeman was back flagging any train approaching from the rear. He considered that a flagman had been left at Stittsville in the person of Operator McNish, and any employee of the road could act as such.
At 3 o'clock the case was adjourned until this morning at 11, when the hearing will be resumed. The accused were again released on bail, McCuaig's bondsmen being Messrs. J.W. McRae and H.K. Egan, while William Anderson gave bonds for Harry Hawes.

Ottawa Journal 13 November 1897


The trial of Conductor Harry Hawes and Engineer McCuaig was resumed before County Magistrate Smith this morning. The evidence continues to point to Operator McNish as being in some sense responsible..
Wm. H. Kavanagh, the fireman on the freight train, told the crown prosecutor that he heard Brakeman Jas. Hastey tell Engineer McCuaig that he (Hastey) told the operator at Stittsvllle to let no trains through until they brought up the remainder of the freight train. The red light was showing in the western semaphore of the Stittsville yard when the engine was uncoupled from the front portion of the freight train. Brakeman Hastey, the witness believed, coupled the engine to the detached portion of the train after they went back for it.
To Mr. Henderson, in cross-examination, Mr. Kavanagh said he saw Hastey go into the station at Stittsvllle. He also heard Hastey say to McCuaig "I told the operator to hold the "Cannon Ball.' " The semaphore, witness said, was set at "danger" when they started back after the rear portion of their train. Witness knew that they were to pass a train at Stittsvllle and believed the semaphores were set to hold the trains and the semaphores would remain set. They would not have passed the east semaphore had they not believed it was set for their protection. If the semaphores were changed before the "Cannon Ball" left Stittsville they could not possibly have been changed by either Hawes or McCuaig.
To Mr. Latchford the witness stated that the operator at Stittsvllle should have held all trains because he knew Hawes' train was on the road and that Conductor Hawes had not registered himself as having arrived at Stittsvllle.
The deposition of Conductor Hawes at the coroner's inquest was put in as evidence against him. The evidence of engineer McCuaig was also put in against himself.
Frederick M Spidal was next called. He testified to the manner in which orders were sent from the dispatcher's office to the men on the road. His evidence was not new.
The court adjourned at one o'clock for lunch.

Ottawa Citizen Monday 15 November 1897

Operator McNish Examined at Length Legal Counsel for the Defendents Claim He was Solely to Blame for the Accident.
The trial of Conductor Hawes and Engineer McCuaig was continued on Saturday Before County Magistrate Smith, and was finished at 9.30 Saturday evening. From the evidence adduced very little was elicited other than that given at the inquest. The line of action pursued by the defence has consisted of an effort to clear the accused by attaching the blame on station Agent McNish, but a searching cross-examination of that witness failed to break down his testimony. The court sat in continuous session from 2 to 9.30 on Saturday, it being the wish of counsel on both sides to finish the case. Judgment in the case will be given on Thursday morning, and it is the general impression that both of the accused will be dismissed.
FIREMAN KAVANAGH'S STORY.
The first witness on Saturday was Walter Kavanagh, fireman on the special freight. He stated that he heard Hastey say to McCuaig, " I have told the operator to hold the express until we get made up." The red light in the western semaphore was showing when the engine was uncoupled from the forward portion of the train.
Cross-examined by Mr. Henderson, the witness said he knew they were to pass a train at Stittsville, and believed the semaphores were set to hold the train and would remain set. If the semaphores were set before the "cannon ball' left Stittsville some person other than Hawes or McCuaig did it.
To Mr. Latchford the witness said that McNish should have held all trains, knowing that Hawes' train was on the road and that Hawes had not registered on arriving at Stittsville.
The depositions of Hawes and McCuaig, as given before the. coroner's jury, were submitted as evidence against the accused.
F. M Spidal, chief train despatcher, was called, aud testified to the manner in which orders were sent from the despatcher's office to employees of the road. The court at one o'clock took recess.
On resuming after lunch, there was a dispute between counsel as to whether Engineer McCuaig should have taken Hastey back with him on the engine to the remaining portion of the train.
Mr. Spidal was finally recalled, and again interpreted the rules. The witness was sharply cross-examined by counsel for the defence.
Mr. Henderson - Knowing that a freight train was divided and that the conductor hadn't reported but had gone back for the remaining portion ot his train, is there a rule of the company permitting the agent to let a train pass the station?
Witness - Yes; an agent might properly let a train through, if he had no instructions to hold it, as express trains have the right of way.
Mr. Ritchie - If a freight train is cut on a grade and the engineer, accompanied by a fireman and brakeman should proceed to the next station, intending to return for the detached portion, what precaution should he take to protect his train?
Witness - I never took part in the management of a train in such a case except as an operator.
The magistrate overruled the question.
The next witness was Mervin McNish. His direct examination occupied only a short time, and was the same as given at the inquest. On cross-examination, which lasted over an hour, the witness stated that he heard no one say "let no trains through until mine is made up." Five minutes before the express was due he went out to lower the sepaphore to let the train through.
Mr. Henderson - Do you know that five minutes before the train is due, the agent should examine the switch and see that it is set right and locked?
Answer - I didn't examine the switch but the position of the lights showed that it was set right.
The witness said he made no investigation to see if the freight was in the yard, until the express had passed. He supposed the freight was on the siding.
Mr. Henderson - If you had gone into the yard and found only a portion of Hawes' train there would you have let the express pass?
Witness - Probably I would as I had no orders to hold it.
Superintendent Robillard was called and explained some of the regulations of the road.
Mr. Henderson, for the defence, then addressed the court at considerable length, asking for the dismissal of the prisoners, on the ground that no evidence had been adduced showing that they were to blame for the accident. He contended that it was due to the negligence of McNish who had failed to carry out the instructions of brakeman Hastey.
Mr Ritchie stated that any negligence on the part of McNish would not exonerate the accused, and, after reviewing the evidence, he asked for the commitment of the accused for trial at the Assizes.
Mr. Latchford followed in a brief vehement address, asking for the dismissal of his client in the absence of any evidence of cuplable negligence. He questioned the veracity of McNish and repeatedly stated that the witness had been guilty of deliberate falsehood.
Magistrate Smith said he would carefully consider the case and give judgment on Thursday morning. The accused were again released on bail.

Ottawa Journal 16 November 1897

Also in the Journal as early as November 2

Ottawa Citizen 18 November 1897

In the County Police Court this morning, Magistrate Smith will give his decision in the case against Engineer McCuaig and Conductor hawes arising out of the Stittsville railway accident.

Ottawa Journal 18 November 1897


Engineer Alex. McCuaig must answer before a jury to the charge of being responsible for the death of Brakeman James Hastey in the recent C.P.R. wreck at Stittsvllle. Conductor Harry Hawes is dismissed.
County Magistrate Smith gave his decision this morning as stated above.
It was somewhat of a surprise to many who believed that both men would be discharged. The magistrate held that there was no evidence to show that Conductor Hawes had in any way neglected his duty. The fact that Conductor Hawes enquired of Hastey what person had been left at Stittsville to flag the express went, to show that the conductor was doing his duty.
In the case of Engineer McCuaig it was different. In order to comply strictly with the rules the magistrate thought McCuaig should himself have gone to report to the operator at Stittsville. The magistrate, however, admitted that McCuaig had not neglected his duty in so far as he had asked Hastey if he had notified the operator. The answer of Hastey that he had notified the operator, the magistrate thought, was some excuse for McCuaig's neglect to do so. But as McCuaig had not complied strictly with the rules, the magistrate felt bound to send him up. for trial.
The case will be called before C. J. Robertson on Nov. 29th. In the meantime McCuaig is out on bail.

Ottawa Citizen Friday 19 November 1897

McCUAIG COMMITTED.
County Police Magistrate Smith gave judgment yesterday morning in the case arising out of the Stittsville railway disaster, he dismissed the charge against Harry Hawes, conductor of tbe special freight which was in the collision, and committed Engineer McCuaig for trial at tbe assizes commencing on tbe 29th inst. In delivering judgment the magistrate said that he had carefully considered all the facts of the case as embodied in the evidence adduced, In reference to Conductor Hawes, he was of the opinion that he had done what any reasonable man would have done under the circumstances. Hawes was not able to know what took place at Stittsville, but when the engine returned for the detached portion of the freight he had taken the precaution to enquire as to what arrangements had been made for protecting the train. When Hastey told him that a flagman had been left he had a right to assume that it was so, and was justified in proceding to Stittsville with his train. He therefore dismissed the case against the accused. In the case of McCuaig, the magistrate regretted that he could not take a similar view. The position of engineer was one of importance. He had charge of tbe portion of the train at Stittsville. It was his duty to see personally that a flagman was left with proper instructions. However, tbe engineer had believed Hastey when he said he had told the operator to hold the express, and the position of the west semaphore when the train backed out justified him in doing so. Mr. Smith said it was a matter for a jury to decide as to whether these were sufficient reasons under the circumstances and committed tbe accused for trial. Mr. McCuaig was subsequently arraigned before Judge Ross and elected to be tried with a jury. He was again admitted to bail, with Messrs. J. W. McRae and H. K. Egan as bondsmen.

Ottawa Citizen 25 November 1897

THE ASSIZES NEXT WEEK
LIST OF CIVIL CASES ENTERED FOR TRIAL

The Queen v McCuaig charged with manslaughter as a result of the recent accident on the C.P.R. at Stittsville is also in the criminal docket.

Ottawa Journal 1 December 1897


Alexander McCuaig, the engineer of the freight train which collided with the Toronto express at Stittsville on Oct. 14th, is now a free man.
At 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon the grand jury returned "no bill" against McCuaig. The jury could not find that Mr. McCuaig was in any way to blame for the unfortunate accident.
The decision of the grand jury was not unexpected by the majority of the people. Mr. McCuaig had many friends in the court room, who warmly congratulated him upon the happy termination, for him, of a most unpleasant situation.
Mr. McCuaig will at once return to his home in Carleton Place.
It was believed by many persons that in the event of no bill being returned against Engineer McCuaig that operator McNish would at once be charged with the crime and placed under arrest.
A Journal reporter hunted up County Crown Attorney Ritchie this morning, and asked him whether any further action would be taken against any one. He replied that he did not think so, as the matter had now been sifted and as carefully gone into as it could possibly be.

Eastern Ontario Review Friday 3 December 1897

Alex McQuaig, the engineer charged with manslaughter as a result of the accident at Stittsville, has been committed for trial.

Almonte Gazette 10 December 1897

Mrs. Peden has entered suit against the C.P.R. Co. for damages for the loss ofher husband, Robert Peden, mail clerk, who was one of the victims of the Stittsville collision in October last. It is said she has refused the company's offer of settlement.

Almonte Gazette 24 December 1897

The C.P.R. Co. has settled with Mrs. Larondeau, widow of Engineer Larondeau, who was killed in the Stittsville railway accident. They have given her $3,600 in cash and free transportation for a year between Ottawa and Montreal.

Almonte Gazette 13 January 1899

At the Ottawa assizes on Tuesday, in the case of Mrs. Hastey of Carleton Place against the C.P.R. Co. for damages for the death of her husband, Brakeman Hastey, in the accident at Stittssville on October 14th, 1897 at the close of the plaintiff's case Justice Armor dismissed the action, with costs, holding that the deceased disobeyed an order given him by the conductor, and but for that disobedience the accident would not have happened.